I stood on shaky legs, gathering my purse. “I’ll pack my things.”

“Good,” Lilia said, settling onto the couch with a satisfied smirk.

As I walked toward the stairs, David’s voice stopped me. “Mom, wait.” A flicker of hope ignited in my chest. “That fifty thousand, plus whatever else you’ve got saved… I’m going to need every penny. Consider it compensation for everything Lilia and I have provided.”