“I tried to tell you, Chloe, several times. Do you remember Thanksgiving two years ago? I mentioned I was working on a major real estate development.”
Chloe blinked, clearly trying to search her memory.
“You interrupted me,” I continued, keeping my tone perfectly even. “You told me that I was too old to be playing Monopoly with my savings and that I should just stick to my gardening. You didn’t want to hear about my life unless it fit the narrative you created for me.”
Dererick cleared his throat, suddenly adopting a forced, oily smile.
“Well, Martha, this is certainly a wonderful surprise. I mean, we always knew you were resourceful. This place is a gold mine. We should sit down this weekend and look at the financials. With my corporate background, I could easily help you streamline the—”
“That won’t be necessary, Derek,” I cut him off smoothly. “Arthur and his team do an excellent job running the day-to-day operations. I am quite satisfied with my returns.”
My son Leo walked through the massive front doors just in time to catch the end of the conversation.
He dropped his bags, grinning as he walked over to hug me.
Leo had known about the resort since day one. He was a middle school teacher, quiet and kind, and he had spent his summer breaks helping me review the landscape plans.
“Hey, Mom,” Leo greeted, kissing my cheek.
He looked at his sister’s pale, furious face.
“I see you guys finally figured it out.”
Chloe glared at him.
“You knew? You knew she was a millionaire, and you let us treat her like a charity case?”
I turned my attention back to the desk clerk, ignoring Kloe’s outburst.
“Sarah, let’s distribute the room keys, please.”
Sarah placed three sets of electronic key cards on the marble counter.
Chloe immediately reached for the black card with gold trim, the signature key for the presidential suite.