.

Before anyone could speak, Grandpa stood slowly, his voice suddenly sharp.

“Helen,” he said, “Emily isn’t the one who needs to pack.”

My mother froze. Mark stiffened beside her.

I lifted my eyes from the paper.

“The house,” I said, steadier than I felt. “Grandpa transferred the house to me too.”

Her jaw dropped. “What?”

Grandpa nodded. “I signed the deed yesterday morning. Emily owns the company and this property. Completely and legally.” He turned to me. “You decide who stays.”

Something inside me finally snapped. Years of being ignored. Years of watching my mother chase unstable relationships. Years of trying to keep peace at my own expense.

“Mom,” I said quietly, “you just told me to pack and leave. So… should I leave my own house?”

Her face twisted. “You can’t do this to me! I raised you!”

“You did,” I said. “But you also cut Dad out of my life, ignored every warning Grandpa gave you, and now you’re trying to hand my company to a man you barely know.”

Mark exploded. “Enough! This business needs real leadership. Helen and I made a plan—”

“Your plan ends here,” Grandpa said sharply. “I know about your bankruptcy. The failed Colorado investment. The lawsuits.”

Mark went pale. “You… investigated me?”

“Yes,” Grandpa replied calmly. “I protect what’s mine.”

Mom shook her head desperately. “Those were misunderstandings! Mark has changed!”

Grandpa looked at her with quiet sadness. “And you haven’t.”

Despite everything, my chest tightened. She was still my mother.

“Why are you doing this?” I asked softly. “You never cared about the company before.”

Her voice cracked. “Because I’m tired of being left behind. Your father left. My marriage failed. My life wasn’t supposed to end like this. Mark promised me the life I deserved.”

“He wants the money,” I said gently. “Not you.”

She flinched. “That’s not true.”

Grandpa stepped back. “Emily. You decide.”

I didn’t want revenge. I didn’t want to humiliate her. I wanted stability—for myself and the company Grandpa trusted me with.

“You don’t have to leave tonight,” I said finally. “But Mark does.”

“He’s my husband!” she cried.

“And this is my house,” I replied. “He’s leaving.”

The silence was absolute.

Mark looked at her. “Helen… say something.”