My stepfather demanded I pay for his daughter’s new house — but what he didn’t know was that my mother had been hiding a 19-year secret that would change everything.

We both broke the cycle. But last month, something drew me back home. Maybe it was guilt about not visiting Mom enough.

“Stacey’s here!” Mom called out as I walked through the door. Everyone gathered in the living room. Cleo and Emma looked good—successful jobs, likely thanks to Liam’s help and connections.

After dinner, Liam asked to speak with me privately. We sat in his study, surrounded by his books and awards—the same room where he used to make “family decisions” that somehow never included Nick and me. “I need to talk to you about something important,” he said, his expression hard.

I waited, cautious. “You and Nick each need to give Cleo $25,000 for her house deposit.”

I froze. Then I actually laughed—it was either laugh or choke on the sheer audacity.

His face darkened. He leaned forward, scowling. “It’s better you do it if you hope to get any inheritance when your mother and I are gone,” he warned.
“Truth is, your mom’s contribution to this house was peanuts, so she won’t have much of a claim. No $150,000 deposit? No house for Cleo.

She’s got $100,000 already. Twenty-five she saved, 25 from her grandma, and 50 from me. She needs 50 more, and that’s on you two.

If you want to stay in this family, then you need to help her.”

I looked at him, stunned. After all these years, he still treated us like outsiders who had to earn our place. But I wasn’t that quiet kid anymore.