The total had reached forty-seven thousand dollars.
I couldn’t even process it. I just stood there crying into my hands while everyone clapped and cheered.
And then my mother arrived.
Linda had always believed that money around family automatically belonged to the entire family. Over the years she had borrowed from me many times, promising repayment that never came. She also had a habit of turning every crisis into a performance about herself. I had invited her to the shower mostly out of obligation, not trust.
The moment she noticed the donation box, her expression changed.
Her eyes fixed on it immediately.
“What is that?” she demanded.
Jessica answered calmly. “It’s for Emma’s medical expenses.”
My mother let out a short, bitter laugh.
“Medical expenses? Please. I’m the one who raised her. If anyone deserves that money, it’s me.”
At first I thought she was joking.
Then she marched to the table, grabbed the donation box with both hands, and tried to pull it away.
I rushed forward and grabbed the other side.
“Mom, stop!”
The entire room went silent. Ryan hurried across the room toward us.