"You owe us this, Chloe," David Miller said, his voice thick with a desperate, manufactured authority. "After everything we've done for you, raising you for eighteen years. It's the least you can do for the family."
The word "family" hung in the air, a bitter joke.
Joella glided over to Chloe, her expression a careful mask of concern. She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Chloe, I just don't want to see Mom and Dad so worried. Just sign the papers. It's better for everyone."
Brenda beamed at her biological daughter, pulling her into a protective embrace. "See, David? She's a true blessing. A lucky star. The moment she came back, good things started happening." She gestured vaguely. "That deal with Aethelion Ventures finally came through this morning. It's a sign."
She then shot a venomous look at Chloe. "Unlike some people, who only ever seemed to bring us trouble."
A disaster. A jinx. A curse. Chloe had heard it all before, whispered behind her back. But hearing it now, so openly, so cruelly, didn't hurt. It clarified.
A slow, cold smile touched Chloe's lips. It was a smile that didn't reach her eyes. She pulled her phone from her pocket, her fingers moving quickly across the screen, typing a message into a secure, encrypted app.
Aethelion Ventures, pull funding from Miller Corp. Immediately.
She hit send, the message vanishing without a trace.
Joella, basking in the "lucky star" title, was already picturing her life as Mrs. Blackwood. She preened under her mother's praise, completely oblivious.
Chloe lifted her gaze and met David's. Her voice was quiet, almost conversational, but it sliced through the air. "Are you sure about that investment from Aethelion Ventures? Are you sure it's stable?"
"Don't you dare jinx it!" David snapped, his face reddening. "Your negativity is the last thing we need."
Right on cue, his phone began to ring, a shrill, frantic sound that shattered the suburban quiet. He fumbled for it, his expression already clouded with irritation. "What is it, Ms. Hayes?"
Chloe watched as the blood drained from his face. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the phone.
"What do you mean, they pulled out? The deal was signed! We just got the confirmation email an hour ago!" His voice cracked, rising in panic. "What do you mean, the funds were never transferred? That's impossible!"
Brenda's triumphant smile froze, then crumbled. Joella's fantasy bubble popped, leaving her looking confused and alarmed.
"That investment was our lifeline!" David roared into the phone, his desperation echoing across the manicured lawn. He hung up, his hand trembling, and his eyes darted wildly, finally landing on Joella. For the first time, a flicker of doubt, of suspicion, entered his gaze.
The lucky star didn't seem so lucky anymore.
Chloe picked up her suitcase again. "Well," she said, her voice still unnervingly calm. "Now you can see who the real lucky star is."
She turned and walked away without a backward glance. Behind her, David's phone rang again. And then again. The sounds were like nails being hammered into the coffin of the Miller Corporation. Each call was another partner pulling out, another contract voided, another door slamming shut.
The good fortune Joella was supposed to bring had evaporated the very instant Chloe left. David and Brenda stood frozen, the horrifying realization dawning on them that they had just thrown away their winning lottery ticket to embrace a beautifully wrapped box of rocks.
Chloe's phone buzzed with a reply.
Done.
She deleted the message and kept walking, the pavement firm and steady beneath her feet.
