“The arrangement under which Eric rents this house from me well below market value.”
The color drained from Eric’s face.
Tessa slowly turned toward him.
“You rent this place?”
Eric’s jaw tightened.
“Mom.”
But Barbara wasn’t finished.
“I bought the property because Eric couldn’t qualify for the mortgage himself. I’ve charged him a family rate ever since.”
Tessa looked stunned.
“You told me this house was yours.”
“Can everyone stop talking?”
Eric snapped the words.
Barbara remained perfectly calm.
“When the current agreement ends, so does the special rate. After that, you may pay the normal amount or move.”
Eric stared at his mother.
“You can’t completely change my life because you’re angry.”
Barbara’s expression hardened.
“I’m not angry with you.”
A pause.
“I’m ashamed of you.”
The words landed harder than shouting ever could have.
Eric looked away.
Barbara continued.
