The Joy of Gold Digging

Dad flew into a rage. "Anne, you only just got home, and you're already scheming for the family's money?"

I nodded calmly and took out the information I'd dug up in advance. "The family owns eighteen properties and fifty retail units, and the company is valued at two billion dollars.

"On top of that, there are parking spaces, insurance policies, investments, and savings I don't even know about, none of which can be calculated precisely. All told, it comes to more than five billion.

"As one of your heirs, what's wrong with planning ahead for my share of the estate?"

Mom rubbed her temples, a flash of distaste in her eyes. "Anne, we're not even dead yet, and you're already fixated on your inheritance.

"Now look at Whitney. The only reason she didn't want to leave us is that she loves us. She isn't obsessed with money like you are..."

Whitney covered her mouth to hide a smirk. "Anne, aren't you being a little too mercenary? Mom and Dad are trying to talk to you about feelings, and all you can talk about is money..."

I took in the luxury goods covering Whitney McGraw from head to toe and laughed.

She lived and dressed like that, yet she kept insisting she didn't want the McGraws' money, only their love.

I was nothing like her. I loved money openly and honestly, and I'd never try to have it both ways.

"You want their love. I want their money. Neither of us gets in the way of the other. Isn't that perfect?"

I opened my calculator app and tapped away. "The master bedroom you live in is about 650 square feet, with great view and plenty of sunshine, plus a balcony and its own bathroom.

"Based on average property prices in this neighborhood, that room could rent for 200,000 dollars a month.

"You've lived in my room for eighteen years, so you owe me a total of 3.6 million dollars in rent."

Everyone exchanged stunned looks.

I pulled up my payment QR code and swept a smile over their faces. "So, which of you is paying for Whitney?"

My brother, Sean McGraw, couldn't hold back any longer. He smacked the phone out of my hand. "Anne, are you blinded by money or what?

"You've been home all this time and haven't called Mom and Dad 'Mom and Dad' even once. All you can think about is money.

"My sister should be innocent and sweet like Whitney. You're so materialistic, you don't deserve to be my sister!"

Right on cue, Whitney's eyes went red. "Sean, stop. I took Anne's place. I owe her this. I should pay it back..."

Sean's heart ached for her. He glared at me and, gritting his teeth, transferred the money. "There. I paid Whitney's debt for her. Will you shut up now?"

I nodded, satisfied. "The receipt comes in duplicate. Keep your copy somewhere safe. As for the rest of what's owed, we'll work it out bit by bit."

Under my family's stunned stares, I walked into Whitney's room and started totaling up the value of all her luxury goods.

Behind me, Dad was beating his chest. "Anne is such an embarrassment. How are we supposed to love her?"

I let out a soft scoff.

Love? Who even wanted it?

I'd only come back to take the property that was mine to begin with.

After all, watching them favor Whitney only made me more certain than ever that all feelings were fake.

Money was the only thing I could count on, the only thing that gave me any real confidence or security.