“Those two suitcases look like they were taken from a garbage dump, so take them out before they contaminate my luggage.”
Betsy’s cruel words struck the living room of Pinecrest Lake’s most exclusive cabin like a blow. Walter and Nancy stood before her in the simple clothes they had worn during the long trip from their rural farming town.
One battered suitcase rolled into the wall after Betsy contemptuously kicked it with the toe of her designer shoe.
Naomi’s face burned with humiliation. She had planned this five-day luxury retreat to bring both families together, paying for the lakefront cabin, private chef, transportation, and every other expense.
She wanted to thank her parents for everything they had sacrificed when she launched her medical supply company with nothing more than a borrowed table and used computer.
Her mother-in-law, however, had spent years believing all of Naomi’s wealth actually belonged to Lucas.
“Mom, please stop right now,” Lucas said, taking a firm step toward her.
Betsy barely looked at him before sneering.
“I am not going to share a roof with people who do not know how to behave in places like this,” Betsy declared coldly. “Naomi, take your parents and find some cheap motel down the road because there is no room for them here.”
Nancy lowered her head in shame. Walter quietly picked up the battered suitcase, though his hands visibly trembled.
“We do not want to cause any trouble,” Walter murmured softly. “We can just go back home today.”
That humble response finally broke something inside Lucas.
“They did not cause any trouble, because you are the one causing it,” Lucas replied with a firmness no one had ever heard from him before. “Naomi paid for this entire house, including the trip, the chef, and even the car you drove here.”
