Chapter 24 LILITH 11 288 Vouchers I had imagined all sorts of scenarios . But nothing prepared me for what the man said next . In short , he wanted compensation - for how his " beloved " niece turned out under our family's care . While I was still trying to wrap my head around the sheer absurdity of the situation , Marissa spoke , her voice laced with cutting sarcasm . " I've seen my fair share of shameless people , " she said , arms folded , " but your family ? You set a whole new standard . " Claire's uncle didn't even flinch . The obsequious smile plastered to his face remained as his gaze fixated on my mom . " You're a mother too , Evelyn . Surely you understand where I'm coming from . " Six years ago , when you took her in , you made it clear you'd raise her properly . But look at her now - how is this the same girl her parents raised ? If my sister could see her now , wouldn't it break her heart ? " He gestured toward Claire with exaggerated sorrow . " She's nothing like the girl her parents raised before their unfortunate passing . If my sister could see what she's become now , wouldn't it break her heart ? " Manipulative . Calculative . He knew exactly where to strike - and he did , hard . Mom's expression faltered , guilt crossing over her face as her shoulders hunched over . 0.00 % 08:54 Chapter 24 F :. Her late best friend would always be her weakness But what baffled me most wasn't the man's audacity . It wasn't even Mom's silence , despite not owing them anything It was Claire , She sat there in silence , her eyes fixed on the floor as if there was something more worthy of her attention there . It made me wonder if she was in on this . But from what I knew , her relationship with her uncle's family wasn't exactly warm . Still , her silence in the face of such blatant blackmail was all the confirmation I needed . She was an ingrate - plain and simple . Marissa must have shared my thoughts , because once again , her voice spoke the words echoing in my head . " Taking in an ingrate like you is the worst decision anyone could ever make . " Her gaze stayed on Claire . " From seventeen until now , this family fed you , clothed you , paid for your education and more . " " We gave you access to opportunities . Opportunities you'd never even sniff if you were still with this pathetic excuse of a family . " " And now you sit there , letting your uncle insult all the efforts we put into making you who you are today ? " 19.55 % 08:54 Chapter 24 288 Vaucherk At her words , Claire finally looked up . " So what ? " she said , her tone flat , and her expression anything but apologetic . " I'm supposed to grovel at your feet for the rest of my life because you gave me a place to stay ? " I turned instinctively to Mom , watching her face crumble in disbelief . She probably never imagined that's all she'd get in return for everything she'd done . A dismissive sentence . As though she'd done nothing special , or noteworthy , Tears slipped down her cheeks . Then in the next moment , her hand flew to her chest , her breathing ragged as she gasped for air . " Evelyn- " Dad reached out to catch her in a flash , speaking gently as he rubbed her back . " Breathe . Slowly . In and out ." Minutes passed before her breathing calmed . She leaned weakly against him , her eyes half - lidded . Only then did Dad looked up - cold , clear fury in his gaze . " No one expects you to grovel ," he said to Claire , his voice ice cold . " But we did think you might have a shred of gratitude . A trace of decency for the kindness you were shown . " Marissa chimed in . " A dog you feed once might remember you for life . But some humans ? You can feed them for a decade and still be met with teeth . " Dad continued slowly . " When Evelyn insisted on taking you in , I was against it . I said we could help in other ways . " 37.02% 08:54 Chapter 24 288 ( Vouchers " But she wouldn't hear of it . She said you were her best friend's only child . Said she couldn't peacefully sleep at night knowing you were out there alone . " " And now I regret giving in . Because by letting you into our home , I gave you the chance to turn it upside down - to hurt my daughter , and now , my wife . " He stopped there , lowering his gaze again as he gently comforted Mom . The silence that followed was thick and heavy . Then Julian spoke - calm and final . " Since our kindness meant nothing to you , then from this moment forward , you are no longer part of this family . " " And with that , all the privileges and benefits you've enjoyed as part of the Caldwells come to an end . " Julian didn't speak often . But when he did , it cut clean and deep . I turned to Claire . She looked like someone waking from a dream , her eyes went wide with panic as she jumped to her feet . " No ! You can't do this to me ! " she cried . Her uncle stepped forward then , the ingratiating smile finally slipping from his face . " I ... I apologize . I shouldn't have brought that up , " he said , voice faltering with false remorse . 57.59 % 08:54 Chapter 24 286 Vouchard " But please , don't hold it against Claire . We'll have her apologize to Evelyn - surely that's enough ? She's young . She didn't mean what she said . " " Please forgive her , " her aunt also stood up and added quickly . " You know how kids are . She doesn't think before she talks " Of course they weren't really trying to protect Claire . They were trying to protect everything -the perks and convenience - they stood to lose the moment she stopped being a Caldwell foster child . Julian's voice dropped an octave , his eyes narrowing . " You seem confused , so let me clarify - I wasn't asking for your input , but giving you notice . " " So If you still want to leave with even an ounce of dignity , walk out on your own - before I make you . " The panic that came over their faces was palpable . Especially Claire . She'd known Julian long enough to know when he was serious - and right now , he was dead serious . " I won't leave ! " she screamed , rushing toward Mom . " I'm sorry - I didn't mean what I said . Please don't chase me away ! " " I've always seen this family as mine . I don't know what I'd do without you . Please , Aunt Evelyn - please ! " She sounded remorseful . Desperate . Shaky . I glanced at Mom . She looked torn . Of course she was . Claire was special to her : her soft spot . 75.05 % 08:54 Chapter 24 But I saw through Claire's tears . What she couldn't live without wasn't this family . It was the lifestyle . The luxury . The credit cards . The apartment . The connections . Her shiny new role at Caldwell Group . Every single one of them handed to her by the family she now dared to scor Without us , she was nothing A nobody . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!