Chapter 90 - The Unwanted Phone Call from Uncle Arthur
While my professional life was soaring to unprecedented heights, the remnants of my biological family were sinking deeper into quiet obscurity.
It was a rainy Thursday evening when my cell phone chimed on the kitchen island. I glanced at the screen. The caller ID displayed Uncle Arthur’s number. I pressed accept.
"Chloe?" Arthur’s voice sounded heavy and exhausted. "I have some difficult news regarding your parents."
"What is it, Uncle Arthur?" I asked, a hint of protective concern in my voice.
"Plateau and Susan are in deep trouble, Chloe. Their rental lease was terminated because Paul missed two consecutive months' rent, and they have nowhere to go. They’re currently packing their remaining belongings into cardboard boxes with no idea where they’ll sleep by the weekend."
I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the heavy reality wash over me. For sixteen years, my parents had treated my future like disposable trash, locking me out of my own opportunities while prioritizing Megan’s spoiled lifestyle and Paul’s fragile social standing.
"Arthur," I said softly, my voice completely steady. "I gave them a fair exit strategy years ago. Through your legal assistance, they received the restitution funds, and they chose to squander their remaining liquidity on social posturing and false pride. I cannot manage their lives for them."
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"I know, Chloe. I’m not asking you to invite them into your home or buy them a new house," Arthur sighed heavily. "I’m just giving you data points. They reap what they sow. That’s pure economics, isn't it?"
"Yes, Uncle Arthur," I replied gently. "That’s the most fundamental equation of all."
