A Mother's Cold Resolve

Thompson like a physical blow,

said, his expression grave. "It requires sp

t-year-old daughter, Lily, who looked sma

d, wrung his hands. "

f a hundred thousand for th

"A hundred

ir sleek, modern townhouse

red, his face ashen. "It' s empty, Sarah

y parents' advice, a decision that had strained her relationship with them for years. H

rk?" she asked,

eyes. "It' s Mom. Caro

it for

es' s new line. 'Quantum Harmony.' She said they' d

y, a charismatic "wellness guru," peddled online. Aura-cleansing cry

s display. He seemed

igent, observant. She had b

ll, almost imp

Mom just wants what' s best for Lily. The money was spent on

d by her mild reaction. "B

she said, a strange plac

mily' s wealth, their connections, were her unspoken safety net, her