Mom and Dad havent bought him anything in the last four years , have they ? This is actually the maids quarters ! As for us sisters , its clear we never did either . You didnt , Shirley and Maddy definitely didnt , much less Indy . She drew in a deep breath , but the cold lingered , seeping into her bones . How has he survived all this while ? she asked quietly , her voice barely above a whisper . Judy returned from her search and said dismissively , Mom and Dad probably gave him some money and told him to buy what he needed . If he didnt use it , whos to blame ? No. Mom and Dad wouldnt have given him much , Wendy replied , shaking her head . I remember Mom once saying she was afraid hed get into trouble or pick up bad habits , so she only gave him enough for food . I even remember her asking Mr. Locker how much a child typically needs . Locker gave her an estimate of 70 bucks , and ever since then , Mom started giving him exactly that each month . As Wendy spoke , she felt her breath hitch . Over the years , Im sure Mom never increased his allowance . She didnt even handle the money herself ; its managed by the familys accountant . She never bothered to check with them about it . Seventy bucks a month ? Judys eyes widened in disbelief . Are you serious ? Does Mom only give him that much pocket money every month ? Ill go ask Mom about it , Wendy muttered , barely believing it herself . An uneasy feeling grew in the pit of her stomach , as though everything she knew was unraveling . Suddenly , the memory of the severance letter Joshua had presented a few days ago surfaced in her mind . Looking back at it now , it didnt seem so simple anymore . It was becoming clearer . The family had already cut ties with him , in ways subtle and overt , long before he had . She hurried toward the door , her thoughts racing . Wendy , did you find any clues in his room ? A voice interrupted her . In the living room , Maggie and David were casually enjoying some chips and junk food . They glanced up , frowning slightly at the sight of her return . Wendy looked at her parents , hesitating before she finally spoke . No , we didnt find Joshuas phone number in his room . 173 6:21 pm Wendy exchanged a glance with Judy before speaking again . Mom , for the past four years , how much pocket money have you been giving Joshua each month ? Does he even have enough to survive outside ? Maggie , still fuming , furrowed her brows at the question . Why are you asking that ? He hasnt even come back home ! Im just curious . Did he have enough money on him when he left ? How much did you and Dad give him to make him so bold ? Wendy pressed . Maggie frowned deeper and suddenly turned to David . David , how much money do you give him each month ? How much does he have on him now ? Arent you the one handling their allowances ? David replied with a confused look . Weve always divided responsibilities you take care of the household , I take care of business . Thats been the agreement for years . Are you saying youve never given him any pocket money ? Maggies eyes widened in surprise . When would I have the time for that ? David snapped . Im always busy with the company , barely keeping my head above water . I dont have time to deal with household matters ! Theres a family accountant for that . Just ask them . Maggie seemed unwilling to believe that David hadnt given Joshua any money . Her anger flared again . If he didnt have money , would he have dared to run away from home ? He must have a decent amount on him ! As she spoke , Maggie picked up her phone and made a call . Hello , Lily . How much do you give the children each month ? And how much does Joshua get ? There was a pause on the other end before a response came through . What ? Oh . Yes , I understand . Are you sure thats correct on your end ? Maggies expression flickered with surprise as she listened . Yes , Mrs. Fraser , answered Lily . According to your instructions , weve been giving him 70 bucks every month . It hasnt changed these past few years . Alright , I understand , Maggie said before hanging up . Her brows furrowed deeper . Well ? Wendy pressed , her voice laced with tension . Maggie glanced at everyone in the room and then sighed heavily . Seventy bucks . According 2/3 6:21 pm to Lily , its been this way for the past four years . I remember telling her that myself . I was worried hed be a spendthrift and blow all his money recklessly , so giving him 70 bucks would be enough to keep him in check . A collective gasp filled the room . Wendy and Judy , in particular , exchanged looks of disbelief , the shock plain on their faces . Seventy bucks ? Youve only been giving him that much a month ? Even David looked stunned . Maggie sneered . Hes careless , full of bad habits , and has sticky fingers . Hes stolen things before ! Giving him 70 bucks was more than enough . As long as he didnt starve , thats all that mattered . The room fell silent . Shirley , Maddy , and Indy all frowned , their expressions darkening . No one seemed to know what to say , but the weight of the revelation hung heavily in the air . 40 3/3 6:21 pm Promise to Punish My Ridiculous Family +8 Pearls