Chapter 7
Madison tried crying next.
Not real grief.
Weaponized panic.
“Harper, please,” she said, stepping over a pink suitcase. “The kids have been excited for weeks.”
Harper looked toward the children.
Her expression softened.
“I know.”
“Then don’t punish them.”
“I’m not.”
“You are. You’re ruining everything because Dad asked you to help.”
Harper’s eyes returned to her sister.
“No, Madison. Dad excluded me. You laughed. Mom justified it. Cameron told me not to embarrass anyone.”
Madison’s lips tightened.
“That’s not fair.”
“It is exact.”
Cameron stepped in.
“We can work this out. Maybe you come too. We’ll hire a sitter.”
Harper looked at him with open disbelief.
“Now?”
He flushed.
“You’re making this bigger than it has to be.”
“No. I’m making it visible.”
Robert snapped, “Enough philosophy. Reinstate the trip.”
Harper looked at Elliot.
“Can it be reinstated without my approval?”
Elliot shook his head once.
“No, ma’am.”
Diane’s panic sharpened.
“What about the villa?”
Elliot glanced at Harper for permission to answer.
Harper said nothing.
That silence frightened Diane more than a speech.
Madison turned on Robert.
“Dad, do something!”
Robert stared at the suited representative, then at Harper’s portfolio, then at the luggage.
The pile suddenly looked ridiculous.
May you like
Bright bags, designer cases, sun hats, fishing gear, children’s floaties—everything packed for a paradise no one had bothered to confirm they actually controlled.
Read the full story 👉 Madison tried to use the children as leverage, but Harper refused to let them become another excuse for family entitlement.
