We settled in the living room – Cheryl’s immaculate living room, where I’d never been permitted to sit on the pristine white couches. Olivia opened her briefcase and withdrew thick folders.
“Your mother left you a trust fund, Jenna,” she began. “A substantial sum to secure your future. But she had her concerns. She knew the kind of sister Cheryl was and didn’t trust her to handle it. Before your mom passed, she asked me to keep a watchful eye.”
“What are you saying?” I whispered, a tight knot forming in my chest.
Olivia’s expression softened. “Your aunt has been misappropriating your money, Jenna. The trust was intended for you – for your education, for your life. But Cheryl’s been using it to fund her own extravagant lifestyle.”
My mind reeled in shock. My aunt had been stealing from me? For years?! So, instead of safeguarding it for my future, she squandered it on her children, luxury cars, private schooling, and exotic vacations. Meanwhile, I was clad in hand-me-downs, subsisting on leftovers, and confined to the attic!