Part 1
Part 1
Silence swallowed the room.
The woman who had shouted looked at him with a forced smile.
"I just told her to finish the dishes," she said, shrugging. "Someone has to clean up."
His jaw tightened.
"She's eight months pregnant."
"So?" another guest muttered. "She's the daughter-in-law. It's her responsibility."
He slowly turned toward Emily.
She immediately lowered her eyes.
"It's okay," she whispered. "I can finish."
"No."
His voice was calm now, but far more dangerous.
He walked to the sink, gently took the sponge from her trembling hands, and shut off the water.
"You're done."
Emily looked ready to cry even harder.
Before anyone could stop him, he took her hand and led her into the living room.
"Everyone, sit down."
No one moved.
"I said... sit."
The authority in his voice froze the room.
Emily's mother-in-law crossed her arms.
"Daniel, don't overreact. She's part of this family."
He stared at her.
"No."
He looked around the room.
"She's the reason this family still exists."
Confused faces stared back.
Then Daniel reached into his briefcase.
He placed a thick folder on the coffee table.
"You've all been enjoying this house, these vacations, these parties..."
He slowly opened the folder.
May you like
"...paid for by Emily."
The room went completely silent.
