My sister-in-law rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Cassandra, are you really this attached to money? We're family. No need to be so petty."
"If you're not petty, you pay."
I stood up.
"Keep your prize. Give it to whoever you want. I'm done."
"Sit down!"
My mother-in-law rose to her feet.
"Rules are rules! The lucky dumpling tradition has been passed down for generations. You want to disrespect our ancestors?"
"Our ancestors wanted the younger generation to hand out a million dollars to the whole family?"
I lifted my five-year-old daughter, Rosemary Martinez, into my arms.
"Wow. Ancestors really knew how to run a business."
My mother-in-law's hands flew to her hips. She whirled toward her son.
"Abner! Control your wife!"
Abner scrambled to his feet and reached for me.
"Cassandra, stop making a scene. It's the New Year—"
"I'm making a scene?"
I stared into his eyes.
"I told one person about the lottery. Just one."
His gaze darted away.
And in that moment, everything became crystal clear.
"It's not like you're using that money." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Just share it with the family. Let everyone enjoy the good fortune."
I glared at him.