Lily Pointed at the Kitchen Camera While Her Mother Explained — Then Michael Watched What Happened Before He Came Home
Chapter 3 — Michael’s Mother
Michael stopped the video again.
“My mother?”
Claire nodded slowly.
Evelyn Carter lived less than forty miles away.
But Michael had not spoken to her since shortly before Lily was born.
The argument had started over money.
At least that was what Michael remembered.
His father had died and left behind a modest family property.
Michael believed Evelyn intended to sell it without discussing the decision with him.
Words were exchanged.
Accusations followed.
Then Claire told Michael something that ended the relationship completely.
Evelyn had supposedly said that Claire had married Michael for financial security.
Michael confronted his mother.
Evelyn denied saying it.
Michael didn’t believe her.
He walked away.
Years passed.
Evelyn sent birthday cards.
Michael returned them unopened.
Eventually, they stopped arriving.
Or so he thought.
Michael looked toward the white envelope still sitting on the kitchen counter.
“Where did Lily get it?”
Claire answered quietly.
“School.”
“Why would my mother send something through her school?”
Claire didn’t answer.
Lily did.
“Grandma came there.”
Michael turned sharply.
“You saw her?”
Lily nodded.
“She didn’t talk to me.”
“Then how did you get the envelope?”
“Mrs. Turner gave it to me.”
Mrs. Turner was the school receptionist.
Lily continued.
“She said an older lady left it and told her it was important.”
Michael looked at Claire.
“Why were you trying to take it away?”
Claire’s eyes filled with tears.
“Because I knew what was inside.”
