My son Daniel walked inside, still wearing his winter coat, snow melting from his shoulders. His face wasn’t cheerful. It was cold. Furious.
He looked directly at Derek.
“What,” Daniel asked slowly, “did you just say to Dad?”
Nobody answered.
The room suddenly felt smaller.
Derek forced a smile.
“This is a family discussion.”
Daniel stepped closer.
“No. This is public humiliation.”
Emily hurried toward him.
“Daniel, don’t make a scene.”
“A scene?” he repeated. “You sat here while your husband insulted the man who paid for your education, helped buy your first home, and never once asked for anything in return?”
Derek rolled his eyes.
“That was years ago.”
I gently touched Daniel’s arm.
“It’s fine.”
He looked at me with disbelief.
“No, Dad. It isn’t.”
Everyone assumed Daniel was angry because he loved his father.
Only I knew the real reason.
Earlier that afternoon, Daniel had discovered something hidden inside the financial records of Bennett Holdings—the company everyone believed I had retired from years ago.
Something involving Derek.
Something worth millions.
I picked up my coat.
“Let’s not ruin Christmas,” I said calmly.
Derek smirked as if he had already won.
He had absolutely no idea that Christmas dinner was the last peaceful evening he would enjoy for a very long time.