My mom, catching on to what I meant, cried even harder. “Your dad passed away early, and I worked so hard to raise you. And this is how you repay me? Claire, have you lost your conscience?”
I sneered, “You’re mistaken, Lilith. I have my own place. The only reason I’ve been staying here is because Mom said Richard doesn’t make much, and since you refuse to work, the family needed extra support. As for relying on others—that’s never been the case for me.”
My mom’s face twisted, and she dropped the fake tears, slapping me hard across the face. “Don’t you dare spread lies! When did I ever say that?”
Ethan smirked, watching me get hit. “Serves you right!”
My cheek stung, but I didn’t flinch. “You know what you said, Mom.”
“Know what?” she yelled back, furious. “Claire, you’re so ungrateful! After all these years, this is how you repay me?”
“Mom, don’t try to guilt-trip me. Cutting ties was your decision, not mine,” I said coolly. “No matter what you say, I’m adopting that child.”
I turned and walked away, ignoring her wails and curses about how I’d get hit by a car and die.