“I own the business, yes,” I clarified, my voice calm and steady. “But I don’t give away premium inventory for free. Besides, as you mentioned in the parking lot, this weekend is about you and Derek celebrating his promotion. You clearly wanted to enjoy the finer things.”
The waiter, perfectly trained and professional, smoothly placed one small check in front of me and Leo, and a much thicker leather folder directly in front of Derek.
Derek snatched the folder open.
All the color drained from his face as he stared at the itemized list.
The massive seafood tower, the imported lobster, three bottles of reserve wine, and the dry-aged stakes.
“This is almost $800,” Dererick muttered, his voice cracking slightly.
“Fine dining is expensive,” I agreed quietly.
“Mom, you can’t do this,” Chloe hissed, leaning aggressively across the table. “You know Dererick’s promotion doesn’t actually start paying out until next quarter. We maxed out our cards on the new car lease. You have to cover this.”
“I don’t have to do anything,” I replied, folding my napkin and placing it neatly on the table. “You spent years treating me like a burden, assuming I had nothing, and belittling my lifestyle. Now that you know I have money, you expect me to fund your extravagance. I won’t do it.”
Dererick glared at his wife, his anger shifting targets.
“You told me she would pay for everything this weekend. You said we could go all out.”
“She’s a millionaire, Derek. She should be paying,” Khloe argued back, her voice rising in panic.
“Your financial choices are your own,” I stated, standing up from the table.
Leo tossed a $50 bill down for his burger and stood beside me.
“I suggest you figure out how to settle your bill before checkout tomorrow morning.”
I woke up early the next morning, pouring a cup of black coffee and sitting on the deck of the owner’s cabin.
The mist was still rolling off the lake, creating a beautiful, serene picture.
It was perfectly peaceful until I heard the heavy, angry crunch of footsteps on the gravel path.
Chloe marched up the wooden steps, her eyes redmed and furious.