That was when we discovered someone had used both our names.

Mom slowly sat again.

“Mia knows?”

“She knows enough.”

Then Mom said the one thing that made everything worse.

“We did it for her.”

I stared at her.

“You forged her signature, sold property she partly owned, used the money to cover her debts, and now you’re asking me for another fifty thousand dollars for her birthday?”

Mom’s eyes filled.

“It was supposed to keep the family together.”

“No,” I said. “It was supposed to keep everyone dependent on you.”

My phone buzzed.

A message from Mia.

I’m downstairs.

I looked at my parents.

“She’s here.”

Mom went completely pale.

Part 3: (Full Ending)

Mia entered carrying a white envelope.

Mom immediately stood.

“Honey, this is a misunderstanding.”

Mia didn’t hug her.

That told me everything.

She placed the envelope on the coffee table.

“I got the forensic report this morning.”

Dad closed his eyes.

The signatures on the trust consent forms had been copied from older documents.

The notary stamp belonged to a man who had retired before the sale date.

The buyer had already agreed to cooperate after learning the title could be challenged.

Mom turned toward me.

“You turned her against us.”

Mia finally answered.

“No. The tax notice did.”

Her voice trembled, but she continued.

“You paid my debts with money that was partly mine, then told me I owed you for saving me.”

Mom’s face crumpled.