"Dad, Mom, let’s talk about this! Lily’s doing so well in school—let her keep studying. If she graduates from college, she can get a good job and help support the family."
Robert lowered the stick, and Margaret sat back on the couch, though her expression was still dark.
"That’s all well and good, but you see our situation. How can we afford her high school tuition and boarding fees? That’s a lot of money."
At the mention of money, their expressions changed instantly, and they looked at me expectantly.
I knew this moment was coming.
Robert rubbed his hands together and sat down beside me.
"Did your parents send anything for us? Or… did you bring us a gift?"
Margaret jumped in quickly.
"Yes—look at this old house. It’s long overdue for rebuilding. And your brother will need money for college, a job, a house, a wedding… You’ll have to help us out a lot."
"Your parents are so rich—even if they just give us a tiny bit, it’d be enough for us to live on for the rest of our lives."
Even though I’d braced myself, their words still chilled me.
So all that affection and warmth earlier had come with conditions.
There was no guilt, no love—only calculation.
If I hadn’t been adopted by William and Elizabeth, I’d be living Sarah’s and Rachel’s lives right now.
I took a deep breath, my voice hardening.
"Dad, Mom… I can’t help you. I don’t have a single cent."
Just as I finished speaking, Jacob, who had been holed up in his room the whole time, piped up.
"Dad, Mom, how come there’s no gold or cash in Emily’s suitcase—just clothes?"
Robert and Margaret’s faces changed instantly, their eyes darting to me in disbelief.
"What did you say? You don’t have money?"
I nodded, avoiding their gaze.
"My adoptive parents didn’t want me reconnecting with you, but I insisted. They got so angry they cut ties with me."
With every word I spoke, their expressions grew darker.
"They kicked me out, took back all my bank cards, and told me never to come back."
"Cut ties?!"
Robert shot to his feet, pointing a finger at me.
"Are you insane? All that money—you couldn’t fight for it? You couldn’t cause a scene?!"
Margaret’s expression twisted, the earlier friendliness gone.
"Are you stupid? Go back right now and ask them for more money before you come back! Otherwise, you can die out there for all I care!"
Her last sentence stabbed me right in the heart.
Tears welled in my eyes as I looked at her quietly.