Chapter 2

2

From that day on, I became the most "supportive" person in the house.

The three-million-dollar inheritance was transferred the very next day.

It went into a joint account Caleb had set up, supposedly for "family investments," though he kept the password secret.

He moved fast. A week later, he found a massive penthouse right next to the elite academy.

It was a five-bedroom luxury unit with a view of the city skyline.

"Babe, this place is perfect. The developer is offering a discount for an all-cash or high-down-payment deal!"

He showed me the floor plans with shaking hands.

"The total is sixteen million. Our three million covers the deposit, but for the rest… can we use your company as collateral for a loan?"

"Or maybe you could liquidate some of your stocks and bonds?"

His appetite was bottomless.

He didn't just want my mother's money; he wanted to bleed me dry.

I bit my lip, looking troubled. "The company's credit line is tight right now, and my investments are locked for another year."

"Can't we just buy a smaller place for now?"

"A smaller place?" Caleb's face darkened immediately.

"It's the best or nothing! Our son deserves the best, Elena. Stop being so timid. A little risk is worth it for Jaxson."

Vivian happened to be over again, playing with Jaxson on the floor.

"She's right, Elena. A house like this is an investment for life. Jaxson could even use it as his wedding home one day!"

"Money can be earned back, but a child's environment is a one-time chance."

Jaxson kicked the sofa and whined. "I want the big house! My friend Leo has a playroom in his mansion. I want one too!"

I looked at the spoiled child they had created.

I lowered my eyes and sighed. "Fine. I'll figure something out."

"I knew I could count on you!" Caleb hugged me, his voice dripping with fake sincerity.

"Everything you do for this family… Jaxson and I will never forget it."

I felt like vomiting.

Then, he dropped the real bomb.

"By the way, since it's for Jaxson's future, let's just put the deed in his name. It'll all be his eventually anyway."

I didn't speak immediately. My fingers curled into my palms.

Vivian chimed in, her tone light and airy. "That's a brilliant idea, Caleb! It's the perfect way to protect Jaxson's future."

I smiled inwardly while maintaining a submissive face.

"Sure. Whatever you think is best. Let's put it in Jaxson's name."

Caleb and Vivian shared a look of pure, unadulterated joy.

They probably thought that by putting it in Jaxson's name, the house was officially in their "real" family's pocket.

They had no idea what kind of surprise I was preparing.