Chapter 7 - The Plan Behind the Laundry
Wednesday at lunch, Claire returned for a file and heard Harper in the guest room. “I’m trying, Mom,” Harper said. “Uncle Wyatt says we just have to act perfect until she files.” Claire stopped beside the wall. “He said she controls the money. If she leaves first, he can make her sell the condo and we’ll have somewhere stable.” Claire entered. Relief crossed Harper’s face when Claire blamed Wyatt. Harper did not deny it. She asked, “How much did you hear?” Claire said, “Enough to know the laundry wasn’t random.” Harper’s eyes shifted toward the cleared island. Wyatt had told her which messes Claire could tolerate, and which would make her snap. He had promised to cover Harper’s overdue tuition if she helped prove Claire was impossible to live with. Harper insisted she expected arguments, not Claire putting hands on her. “Why did you agree?” Claire asked. Harper swallowed. “Because Mom said this was my last chance to stay in school.” That deeper betrayal slept beside Claire every night.
