Chapter 8 - THE MONEY SARAH SAID DIDN'T MATTER
Sarah exploded when Karen asked about Eleanor’s estate.
“That has nothing to do with Lily.”
“Then explain the timing.”
“My mother is dying.”
Eleanor had late-stage heart disease.
Sarah had spent years estranged from her.
Eleanor adored the idea of family reconciliation.
She disliked Ben.
Not because he had harmed Lily.
Because she considered him embarrassing.
When Sarah left six years earlier, Eleanor blamed Ben publicly.
Then stopped speaking to Sarah too.
Now she wanted:
daughter,
granddaughter,
family photographs,
peace before death.
Money sat underneath it.
Sarah insisted:
“I would fight for Lily if there were no inheritance.”
Maybe true.
Then Karen asked:
“Would you be trying to move her immediately?”
Sarah went silent.
That was different.
Sarah wanted to be Lily’s mother again.
Also wanted her mother’s approval.
Also wanted money.
Also hated that Ben had become the parent Lily chose.
Multiple motives.
Messy.
Then Eleanor requested to meet Ben.
Rachel advised against it.
Ben said yes.
Why?
“She is Lily’s grandma.”
At the meeting, Eleanor looked at Ben and said:
“You have done better than I expected.”
Ben frowned.
“Is that nice?”
Rachel almost laughed.
Eleanor had no answer.
Then she said:
“Lily needs advantages.”
Ben replied:
“She needs people.”
Eleanor stared.
Ben continued:
“Advantages are good too.”
Simple.
May you like
Not stupid.
Eleanor looked away first.
