Uncle Robert's family closed in around me, watching me like I was the punchline to a joke.
Aunt Diane fired the first shot. "Weren't you always so proud and above it all? Then go back to your little job and your rented shoebox!"
"Places like this aren't for bottom-feeders like you."
Philip let out a derisive snort. "Exactly. If you didn't know us, you wouldn't even be qualified to set foot in this sales office."
Uncle Robert drew himself up with all the pompous authority of an elder, looking down his nose at me. "Corinne, I'm telling you this for your own good—you need to be realistic. Stop reaching for things that were never meant to be yours."
"With the pittance you make, you couldn't even afford a bathroom in this place."
"Now leave, before you embarrass yourself further."
I let my gaze sweep over them, my voice perfectly level. "Who says I can't afford a unit here?"
My mother's laugh was sharp and cold. She looked at me like I'd lost my mind.
"Corinne, do you even hear yourself? Every cent you saved in three years of working—you gave it all to me. You probably can't scrape together five hundred dollars right now, and you have the nerve to claim you can buy property here?"
That was my mother.
Even knowing I'd given everything to this family, that I might be completely broke, she'd still thrown me out without a second thought.
In this moment, I was more grateful than ever for that lottery ticket. It had shown me exactly who she was—and saved me from ending up on the streets.
My sister looked me up and down, her voice dripping with scorn. "What's your game here, sis? You think if you talk big enough—maybe play the crazy card—we'll feel sorry for you and hand over some of the settlement money?"
"Dream on. You're not getting a single cent from this family!"
Philip was practically doubled over with laughter. He jabbed a finger at me and announced to the entire sales office:
"Everyone, come look! We've got a broke nobody here pretending she can buy property!"
"This is hilarious—she's dressed head to toe in bargain-bin garbage, couldn't afford a single tile in this place, and she's still putting on airs!"
Heads turned. The other clients stared at me, sizing me up with open amusement and contempt.
"Young people these days—can't earn a decent living, but they sure know how to run their mouths."