“You gave Mom permission to use the card,” Brooke said quickly.
“For Claire’s recovery and Lily’s care.”
“We’re family.”
“So are they.”
Diane finally spoke.
“I raised you. I sacrificed everything for you.”
“And I have spent years trying to honor that,” Ethan said calmly. “But raising me did not give you the right to neglect my wife, lie to me, or take money intended for my newborn daughter.”
“Neglect?” Diane repeated. “That is a terrible word.”
“It is an accurate one.”
Claire remained upstairs with Lily. Ethan had told her she did not need to attend the confrontation.
This was his responsibility.
Diane removed the shawl and placed it on the chair.
“She had food.”
“She had dry noodles.”
“She could have called someone.”
“You left a note telling her not to call me.”
Diane’s voice rose.
“I was protecting your career!”
“You were protecting your vacation.”
Silence filled the room.
Ethan pushed the repayment agreement toward them.
The unauthorized purchases would be repaid over twelve months. Diane’s access to every account would end immediately. Ethan would no longer pay Brooke and Jason’s household expenses.
Any future visit with Claire or Lily would happen only after a sincere apology and only when Claire felt comfortable.
Diane stared at him.
“You’re choosing her over your own mother.”
Ethan shook his head.
“No. I’m choosing responsibility over entitlement. I’m choosing the woman I promised to protect and the child who depends on me.”
“You’ll regret turning your back on us.”
“I’m not turning my back. I’m setting a boundary. What happens next is your choice.”
Jason signed first.
“I knew this was wrong,” he admitted. “I went along with it because I wanted the trip.”
Brooke glared at him, but he continued.
“I’m sorry.”
His apology was imperfect, but it was honest.
Brooke signed next, angry tears filling her eyes.
Diane refused.
She stood, grabbed her suitcase, and walked out without another word.
