Color drained from Maya’s face. “What’s this?”
Inside were 15 envelopes.
Adele moved closer. “Fifteen years of things Dad sent you and you sent back.”
Maya lifted an envelope. “This is fake.”
Maya’s eyes flashed. “Robert, don’t.”
Adele held up a small pink card. “Piper made this when she was nine. It says, ‘Please come to my birthday, Mom.’”
Piper covered her mouth.
“Fifteen years of things Dad sent you and you sent back.”
Adele picked up a school photo. “This was Shannon’s first day of school.”
Shannon stared at it. “I’ve never seen that.”
“I sent it,” I said. “It came back.”
Maya snapped, “You had no right to do this at a family event.”
Adele looked at her. “My wedding.”
The correction hit hard.
Adele picked up a school photo.
Maya’s voice trembled. “Your father poisoned you.”
Adele’s tone stayed even. “No. He protected your name long after you stopped earning it.”
