“Neglect?” Diane repeated. “That is a terrible word.”
“It is an accurate one.”
Claire remained upstairs with Lily. Ethan had told her she did not need to attend the confrontation.
This was his responsibility.
Diane removed the shawl and placed it on the chair.
“She had food.”
“She had dry noodles.”
“She could have called someone.”
“You left a note telling her not to call me.”
Diane’s voice rose.
“I was protecting your career!”
“You were protecting your vacation.”
Silence filled the room.
Ethan pushed the repayment agreement toward them.
The unauthorized purchases would be repaid over twelve months. Diane’s access to every account would end immediately. Ethan would no longer pay Brooke and Jason’s household expenses.
Any future visit with Claire or Lily would happen only after a sincere apology and only when Claire felt comfortable.
Diane stared at him.
“You’re choosing her over your own mother.”
