My parents remained silent. Angelika bit her lip, and my mother’s tears fell onto the table.
“You won’t go to the police,” I said. “But from now on, you have no access to anything that concerns me. This house is mine. My accounts are mine. And Emma’s money will go where it needs to go.”
My dad spoke up: “But we are your family…”
I looked him straight in the eye. “Family doesn’t steal from their child.”
I turned to Emma and held out my hand.
“Come on, honey. We’re going to the bank tomorrow. I’ll open your account for you.”
On the way to her room, Emma asked in a whisper:
“Are you angry with your grandparents?”
I sighed. “I’m disappointed. But you know what? Sometimes when people betray you, you don’t have to pay them back. You’re showing them you can live without them.”
