Chapter 2: The Name on the Screen
I was still holding my father's hands when I heard the front door open.
Arthur's voice floated down the hallway, cheerful and relaxed.
"Mom, the transfer cleared.
We're all set."
I stepped out of the bedroom.
The smile dropped from his face like a stone.
"Genevieve." His voice came out flat.
"You're…
home early."
"I am," I said.
"Tell me about Germany, Arthur."
He glanced toward Olivia.
Something passed between them — fast, silent, practiced.
"I was going to explain everything," he said carefully.
"Your father panicked.
I was trying to protect you from—"
"He signed over my mother's burial land." My voice didn't shake.
I was surprised by that.
"The bank released the funds this morning.
So tell me exactly what you were protecting me from."
Arthur's jaw tightened.
He looked at my father, then back at me.
"You don't understand the full picture," he said quietly.
"Then show me the loan documents."
Silence.
Olivia stood up slowly from the sofa.
"Genevieve, this is a family matter.
There's no need to—"
"Sit down, Olivia."
She sat.
Arthur's phone buzzed on the counter.
He lunged for it — but I was closer.
I saw the name on the screen before he snatched it away.
It wasn't a bank.
It wasn't a lawyer.
It was a woman's name I had never heard before.
And the message preview read: *"Did it work?
May you like
Is the money—"*
The screen went dark.
