Chapter 3

3、

"I thought the price was high, but Winnie is a good kid. She wouldn't lie to us," one man said.

"Lydia is crossing the line. First she kills Winnie's mom, and now she wants her to be unemployed? No shame," a woman whispered.

"Even her own mother can't stand her. Why is she still talking?"

Winnie's confidence soared as the crowd rallied behind her. She gave me a triumphant look.

"Lydia, you wouldn't understand. Whales live in the deep sea. Harvesting this is dangerous and expensive," she said.

"But the government is subsidizing this for seniors. If you buy the milk, you get a free international vacation. You get your money back and then some!"

The mention of "government subsidies" was the final hook. The skeptical old man from before suddenly smiled.

"Winnie, I'm just an old man. I didn't know the government was helping us. Tell us more about this free money!"

Winnie started handing out glossy flyers to everyone.

"Listen up, everyone! This program is a federal gift. Every penny you spend on the milk will be refunded during the trip!"

"And when you get back, the government gives you a hundred-thousand-dollar 'Senior Bonus' for participating!"

"Think about it! You get healthy, you see the world for free, you get your money back, and you profit a hundred grand! It's a miracle!"

She held up a stack of papers. "These are the contracts. If I'm lying, you can sue me and put me in prison!"

She wiped away a fake tear. "I only told you guys because we're neighbors. I don't want strangers taking this opportunity from you."

"Winnie's right! If we weren't local, someone else would have snatched this up already!" a neighbor shouted.

I looked at the mindless crowd with pity. They forgot that the best scammers always start with their own family.

My mother pulled a debit card from her purse and handed it to Winnie.

"I'm so glad you're thinking of our health, honey. There's one point five million on here. Use it all to support your business!"

"Mom, are you insane?" I yelled, lunging forward.

I snatched the card out of her hand. "This is every cent we have! You're giving it to her? Do you want us to starve?"