Chapter 1 In her final lucid moment , Mom made her will in the ICU . ] " Mrs. Williams , you mentioned wanting to prepare a will ? " ] ] Mom nodded weakly . " Yes , while I'm still … lucid . I need to address my estate . " [ ] Though frail , each word came out with deliberate precision as she drew a labored breath . [ ] Mr. Bennett uncapped his fountain pen , his expression turning formal behind rimless glasses . " Of course , Mrs. Williams . Whenever you're ready . " " Besides the family home in Springfield , I have $ 1.480,000 in my bank account . " The revelation landed like a bomb in the quiet room . ] I stared at my mother in disbelief . When had she accumulated nearly $ 1,480,000 ? She was just a retired school administrator with a modest pension of barely $ 2,000 a month . " The house goes to Jason. " My brother's face brightened slightly , as if this was exactly what he'd anticipated. That property was worth at least $ 2,000,000 in today's market . [ ] " And …. the savings … Mom paused , her voice trembling but determined , " those go to Jason as well . Emma can have my wedding jewelry and the family heirlooms in my bedroom chest . " The air in the room seemed to solidify . I felt my breath catch in my throat as everything around me became distant and unreal . ] " Mom … " I managed , my voice barely a whisper . " What did you just say ? But Mom's gaze remained fixed on Jason Sullivan , as if she hadn't heard me at all . Her fingers gently stroked the back of his hand , her eyes filled with tenderness and compassion . " Jason's had it rough these past years , working so hard out west , struggling to get his business off the ground . " Though weak , her voice carried unwavering conviction . " Leaving the house and the savings to him is also a gesture of my love as a mother . " My brother , equally shocked by this windfall , quickly embraced Mom , his eyes glistening with excitement despite his attempt to appear solemn . " Mom , no … you need to focus on getting better . I haven't even had the chance to pay you back for everything you've done . " ] My heart clenched painfully in my chest , making it difficult to breathe . Looking at my mother's pale face , I suddenly felt like I was staring at a stranger . [ ] showing Jason , never spoken . In all my thirty - six years , she had never once looked at me with the same adoration she was now show to me with such tender consideration . " Mom , what about me ? " I finally managed , my voice betraying a slight tremor . "I'm your daughter too . " Mom finally turned toward me , but her eyes held none of the warmth I desperately sought . Instead , her gaze remained sharp . tinged with impatience . [ ] " Emma , you've always been independent , never needed my help . " Her tone was dismissive . " You've got your stable job at the firm , your comfortable condo . You've always managed fine on your own . Jason's different - he needs this house to finally get ahead . " I felt heat building behind my eyes , a lump forming in my throat that made speaking impossible . " Mrs. Williams , " Mr. Bennett adjusted his glasses , his tone remaining professionally neutral , " I should advise you that legally , children typically have equal inheritance rights . Without specific justification , this distribution could potentially face legal challenges . " My mother's expression suddenly hardened , her eyes boring into the lawyer with unmistakable determination . ] This is my decision . Jason is my son - the house and money go to him . That's non - negotiable . " [ ] Jason stood awkwardly nearby , his expression a complicated mix of emotions . He glanced between Mom and me , seemingly wanting to say something , but ultimately just lowered his head and squeezed Mom's hand " Mom , please don't talk like that , " he finally said , his voice rough . " Emma is your daughter , and 1- " " That's enough , Jason , " Mom cut him off wearily . " I've made my decision . No one's changing my mind . " I felt my heart sinking deeper with each passing second . Looking at this woman I'd known all my life , I suddenly realized I had never truly penetrated her inner circle . No matter how hard I'd tried - the straight A's , the law degree , the promotions - Mom's attention and affection had always been . reserved exclusively for my brother . ] I'd foolishly believed that if I just achieved enough , she would eventually see me . Now I understood some things were simply immutable . " I understand , Mom , " I finally said , my voice surprisingly steady . " Don't worry , I won't contest anything . " My mother seemed momentarily taken aback by my compliance , something complicated flickering across her expression ] " Emma , don't be upset with me , " she said , her voice suddenly softer , tinged with exhaustion and resignation . " I just … I just want to make sure Jason can have a better life . " I didn't respond , just nodded silently . My eyes burned , but I refused to let tears fall . This moment demanded strength , not vulnerability . Mr , Bennett glanced between us before finishing his notes , the oppressive silence broken only by the rhythmic beeping of monitoring equipment . [ ] " Mrs , Williams , I've recorded your wishes , " he said , closing his notebook . " If there's nothing else , I'll begin processing the necessary paperwork . " ] Mom nodded , a tired smile crossing her face . " Thank you . " ] ] Jason stood nearby , his expression a bizarre mixture of elation and discomfort . " Get some rest , Mom , " he said softly , his voice catching . " I'm staying right here with you . " ] Mom's expression softened as she patted his hand , her face radiating contentment . I watched silently from the periphery , feeling as though someone had driven an ice pick through my heart , making each breath a struggle . In that moment , I knew I'd lost my last hope of maternal recognition . [ ] " I should go . Mom . Try to rest , " I said quietly , my voice laden with exhaustion . Mom merely nodded without looking at me , her attention entirely consumed by Jason's presence . I stepped out of the room , closing the door gently behind me . ] ] The hallway's fluorescent lights felt harsh and cold . I leaned against the wall , drawing a deep breath to steady myself . ] ] 101