Then Amber cleared her throat.
She set down her wine glass like she was making a speech.
“Okay, I can’t stay silent anymore. Martin, you need to hear me out. How long are you planning to just let that college fund sit there?”
Everything stopped.
My heart pounded once—slow and heavy.
Amber kept going.
“It’s clear you’re not having another kid. Two years and nothing? I mean, Clara, you’re not exactly young anymore. Meanwhile, Steven’s about to graduate. He needs that money.”
I looked around, praying someone would intervene. Martin sat frozen. His face was unreadable now—shut down.
Steven stayed glued to his phone.
Jay’s fork hit the plate with a sharp sound. Then he slowly stood.
“Amber,” he said, calm but firm. “You want to talk about that account? Let’s talk.”
Amber blinked, clearly not expecting resistance.
Jay turned to her, expression cold and controlled.
“That fund was created for Robert. Just like we made one for Steven. Equal contributions for both grandsons. Because fairness matters.”
Steven looked up. Amber stiffened.
“But you emptied Steven’s,” Jay said. “Took it all when he was fifteen to fund a Disney vacation. You said it was for memories. I didn’t argue. But don’t pretend Clara and Martin have something your son didn’t.”
Amber’s face turned red.
“That trip meant the world to Steven.”
“And now you want a second chance?” Jay didn’t raise his voice, which somehow made it sting more. “That fund was built for a future—not a vacation. Clara and Martin added to it themselves, year after year.”
He turned to Steven. “If he’d shown real drive, we’d support him. But he skips classes, lies about schoolwork, and lives on TikTok. His grades are terrible, and you keep making excuses. You’re not helping. You’re holding him back.”
No one defended Amber. Not even Steven.
“This money isn’t a reward for existing,” Jay said. “It was for a child who dreamed big and worked hard. If Steven wants to go to college, he can apply for aid. Or get a job.”
He stared Amber down. “And you owe your brother and his wife an apology. You mocked their grief. You insulted their struggle. And I’ll be rethinking my will.”
Amber’s mouth tightened. She looked around, waiting for support. No one moved.
Then she muttered under her breath, “It’s not like anyone’s using the damn money.”
Something inside me snapped.
I stood.
“You’re right,” I said. “No one’s using it. Because it’s Robert’s. And what you just said? That erased him.”
She blinked. Shocked I’d spoken up.
“That money isn’t sitting there for someone else to claim. It’s a part of him. Of us. Every dollar came from birthdays, bonuses, coins we could’ve spent on better things. But we didn’t. Because we believed in his future.”
My voice trembled, but I kept going.
“If we’re lucky, maybe one day it’ll help his sibling. But for now? It stays. Untouched.”
Amber didn’t respond. She got up, grabbed her purse, and walked out. The front door closed quietly.
“And me?” Steven said. “Did she just forget I exist? Typical.”
“Don’t worry, honey,” I said. “Uncle Martin and Grandpa will get you home.”
“Just enjoy your dessert,” Jay said. “Chocolate cake and lemon tart tonight. Your mom needs time to think about her behavior.”
Martin reached for my hand, holding it tightly.
“Hey,” he said softly. “You did the right thing.”
“I hated saying it.”
“I know,” he whispered. “But it needed to be said.”
