Chapter 11 - A House Divided
While Julian rotted in a cell, the reality of poverty was tearing his family apart.
Eleanor, Arthur, and Chloe had managed to rent a tiny, roach-infested apartment on the bad side of town using the last of Arthur’s meager retirement savings. The stress was toxic. They blamed each other constantly.
"This is your fault!" Chloe screamed at Eleanor one evening, throwing a plastic cup against the peeling wallpaper. "You told Julian to be hard on Maya! You told him she needed to be controlled! Now I’m eating canned soup and my life is ruined!"
"Don't you dare speak to me that way!" Eleanor shrieked back. "I provided you with luxury for years!"
Arthur sat in a dilapidated armchair, staring blankly at the wall. "It’s over," he muttered. "Julian is going to prison. The feds seized the business. We have absolutely nothing."
Chloe packed a small duffel bag.
"Where are you going?" Eleanor demanded.
"I’m leaving," Chloe spat. "I’m going to the District Attorney. I’ll testify against Julian. I’ll testify against both of you for the burglary attempt. I don't care anymore. I’m saving myself."
"You wouldn't dare!" Eleanor gasped, grabbing her daughter’s arm.
May you like
Chloe shoved her mother backward into the wall. "Watch me."
As Chloe walked out the door, the Vance family didn't just lose their wealth; they completely lost each other. The toxic loyalty that had bound them together completely evaporated the moment there was no money left to steal.
