Chapter 5

Cindy froze, staring at me in disbelief.

“What are you talking about? That’s impossible!”

“It’s true,” I replied. “Not just the house, but all the expenses around here—food, utilities, everything—have been paid by me.”

Before I moved back in, Uncle Mark had been taking care of the estate and would request maintenance money every month. It was always something: the lawn mower had broken, or the walls needed repainting. As a student, I didn’t know much about these things, so I gave him whatever he asked for.

Since I returned, I’d taken on all the household expenses.

Thinking back, I realized I needed to check the finances more closely.

“You’re lying!” Cindy’s voice was shrill as Uncle Mark and Aunt Linda entered the room, looking surprised to see me.

Aunt Linda was the first to speak. “Sierra, why are you home so early today?”

Before I could answer, Cindy pointed at me and said, “Mom, she’s claiming this house belongs to her. Is that true?”

Both Uncle Mark and Aunt Linda’s faces darkened.

Aunt Linda quickly tried to cover it up. “No, no, Cindy, she’s just joking.”

She shot me a warning glance, but I ignored her. Instead, I pulled the house deed from my bag and tossed it onto the coffee table.