“Della works at that bookstore downtown,” my mother explained to a guest. “It keeps her… occupied.”
I retreated to the hallway for water, overhearing hushed voices from the kitchen.
“She needs a wake-up call,” my mother replied, her voice steel-hard. “Madison’s success highlights just how far behind Della has fallen. Seeing these intervention materials might shame her into change. We can’t enable mediocrity forever.”
“Madison prepared talking points,” Uncle Harold added. “And we have the applications ready. It’s time for tough love.”
My stomach tightened—not with fear, but with cold, hard rage. This wasn’t a party. It was a coordinated ambush. They planned to dissect my life under the guise of benevolence. They had no idea they were about to try humiliating a woman who employed three thousand people and had built a global tech empire from a basement laptop.
I slipped back into the living room. Madison held court near the fireplace.
“Tomorrow is going to be even more exciting,” she announced, checking her phone. “I’m finalizing a partnership that could change everything for RevTech.”
Dinner became ceremonial execution. I sat at the far end of the table, picking at roasted duck while toasts celebrated Madison’s brilliance. Before dessert, my father tapped his knife against his wine glass—ting-ting-ting. Silence fell.
“Before we have cake, we have some presentations,” he announced.
Uncle Harold retrieved a gift bag. “First, for our new CEO.” He handed Madison a mahogany plaque engraved with her name. Applause erupted.
Aunt Caroline approached with a bulky, generic shopping bag. “We know you’ve been struggling, sweetheart. So, we put together a… care package.”
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