Chapter 6 - MARGARET'S BEST DEFENSE
Margaret did not hide forever.
She came to Rachel’s apartment with a folder.
No Lauren.
No Derek.
No Eric.
Just mother and daughter.
She placed documents on the table.
“You want numbers? Fine.”
Margaret had used the refinance money for:
Lauren and Derek’s franchise rescue.
Eric’s debt settlement.
Kitchen plumbing and electrical repairs.
Emergency reserve.
No luxury cruise.
No secret boyfriend.
No gambling.
No fake charity.
She had used house equity to help her children.
Margaret said:
“Your father would’ve done the same thing.”
Rachel answered:
“Dad would’ve told me if I was the one making the payments.”
Margaret’s face hardened.
“I never forced you.”
“No.”
“You offered.”
“Yes.”
“So stop acting like I stole from you.”
That was Margaret’s strongest argument.
And it was not entirely wrong.
Rachel had gifted the payments.
No contract.
No ownership stake.
No reimbursement agreement.
Legally, Margaret could refinance her own house.
Emotionally, the concealment was different.
Rachel asked:
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Margaret looked away.
“Because you always need things to be fair.”
Rachel frowned.
May you like
“And?”
“Families aren’t fair.”
