I explained what Daniel had told me when I called him back. Her lips tightened.
“That sneaky little—” she stopped herself. Then she put an arm around my shoulders. “Come inside. Daniel didn’t tell you everything.”
Inside, she poured tea. We sat at the long dining table, and Margaret folded her hands neatly in front of her.
“I am cutting Daniel out of the business and my will, and there is nothing you can say to convince me otherwise.”
“But—”
She gave me “the look,” but this time I couldn’t back down.
“Margaret, don’t give me that look.”
She blinked.
I continued. “I won’t pretend I wasn’t pleased when I heard the news, but if you cut Daniel off, he won’t be able to pay child support. Those are your grandchildren.”
Something shifted in her expression. “It’s good to see you’ve finally grown a backbone, Claire, but let me finish. Daniel didn’t tell you the most important part.”
“What do you mean?”
Margaret adjusted her teacup. “I’m not going to leave my grandchildren without support. You will now receive the same amount he was earning, paid directly to you from my personal account. For the children.”
Tears stung my eyes.
“And as for the inheritance… I would rather leave my estate to the eight children he abandoned.”
I stood up and did something I never thought I would.
I hugged Margaret.
She stiffened for half a second, then gently patted my back.
“Thank you,” I whispered into her shoulder.
“I’m so sorry for what he did to you,” she said softly. “His behavior is utterly reprehensible.”
I stepped back, wiped my eyes, and pulled out my phone.
“I’m going to call him and let him know how this went.”
Margaret nodded calmly and lifted her teacup.
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