The day before New Year's, my younger brother announced he was bringing his girlfriend home for dinner.

Excited, I drove my new car to pick them up, taking my daughter along with me.

However, as soon as his girlfriend got in the car, her face darkened.

"Henry, you didn't tell me your sister was staying at your place—and with a kid!" she snapped.

I frowned and was about to explain when my brother quickly interjected, "She's not staying. After dropping us off, she'll be heading to a hotel."

Only then did his girlfriend's expression ease. I swallowed my discomfort and asked my brother what he was planning.

He leaned in with a conspiratorial grin and said, "Sis, don't cause any trouble for me, okay? My girlfriend is the daughter of the Cromwell Group's CEO!"

My eyes widened in shock. Was not the Cromwell Group the same company my ex-husband had just handed over to me as part of our divorce settlement?

New Year's Eve was buzzing with excitement as I was set to pick up my brother and his girlfriend for our family dinner. With my daughter Tracy in tow, I drove my shiny new car, eager to welcome them.

However, when they climbed aboard, my brother's girlfriend shot me a frosty glare. "Henry, you never mentioned your sister had a kid living with you!" she snapped.

I was taken aback, ready to clear the air, but my brother cut in, "Oh, she doesn't stay with us. She'll head to a hotel after dropping us off."

Her face softened at that, and I bit back my unease, wondering what my brother was playing at.

He leaned in, whispering like he was sharing a state secret, "Sis, don't stir up any drama. My girl is the Cromwell Group CEO's daughter!"

I felt a jolt. The Cromwell Group? Was that not the company my ex-husband had just handed over to me as part of our divorce settlement?

In the car, my mind was a whirlwind of doubts and questions, trying to piece together the truth.

Suzy Scott's nose wrinkled as she surveyed the car. "I've never been on such a cheap ride. The seats are as hard as stone."

My car was not exactly a luxury model, but I had handpicked every detail of the interior, which I valued more than the car itself. Even my ex had teased me about my dedication to it. Was it really not up to par for her?

My daughter, strapped in her booster seat, started to clamor for a snack. I asked my brother to hand her a cookie.

However, Suzy scoffed, "Who lets their child eat in the car? It's so uncouth."

My brother hesitated, then set the cookie aside. "Yeah, Sis, maybe Tracy can wait. We'll be home soon."

Tracy was slumped in the back seat, her lips quivering like she was on the brink of tears.

I was ticked off but tried to soothe her, "Tracy, how about we wait until we're at Grandpa's to get some treats, okay?"

She gave a little nod, quietly giving up on asking for snacks.

Our old family place was out in the sticks, a solid half-hour drive from the train station.

Midway, Suzy complained of feeling queasy. "Henry, could you get your sister to ease up on the gas? I'm going to hurl."

I checked the dash—barely hitting 40 kilometers per hour. We were not exactly racing.

However, no matter how my brother tried to calm her, she was still miffed.

"It's stuffy with everyone packed in here. No wonder I'm feeling sick. I've never had to share a ride like this."

She held her nose and scowled, "Henry, this is on you for not having your own wheels. Now I'm stuck here with a kid. You know I can't stand them."

My brother jumped to her defense, "Sis, Suzy's not used to anyone but her driver. Maybe you and Tracy should hop out and grab a cab?"

He was not kidding, and in the back, Tracy was quietly dabbing at her eyes.

I hit the brakes hard, sending them both lurching forward.

"Don't like it? Then leave!"

I mean, they got a free ride and still complained?!

When I showed I meant business, my brother panicked, "Where are we even going to find a cab out here in the boonies?"

He knew the score.

However, Suzy just bailed, standing by the road, arms folded, silent as a statue.

My brother quickly jumped to his own defense, "Come on, Sis, can't you cut me some slack? Suzy is not like you. She's an only child, a real daddy's girl. Finding a girlfriend as awesome as her is super tough, you know?"

I was at a loss for words. "Why on earth should I wait on her? You're the one who wants to marry her, not me."

However, after my brother begged and pleaded, I ended up letting them both into the car. Not a word was exchanged the entire ride home, though.

When we got there, Mom and Dad had dinner ready to go.

However, Miss High-and-Mighty had nothing but complaints about the food—either it was too salty or it looked unclean.

Still, she did not hold back when it came to chowing down, picking out all the meat and seafood for herself. When I offered a rib to the kid, she shot me a frosty glare.

"Henry, what kind of manners do you teach kids in your family? No table manners, no decorum at all."

Mom snatched the kid's utensils right away, plastering on a smile, "The little one doesn't come around much, Amy, why don't you two go eat in the kitchen?"

I was fuming, but before I could say my piece, Dad banged on the table.

"We're here to eat, not to argue. Tracy is our granddaughter, and she can eat however she pleases."

I felt a bit better, relieved that Dad was still on my side.

However, Suzy slammed her utensils down. "Henry, is this really how your family treats me? I'd be better off going home for the holidays."

My brother was quick to smooth things over. "Suzy, it's pitch-black outside, where could you possibly go?"

Mom chimed in quickly, "Yeah, Suzy, don't pick a fight with her. She hardly ever comes home, just for New Year's. They can crash in the guest room, and you guys take the master."

Our place did not have any fancy floor heating, and out of all three rooms, the guest room was the only one without a heater.

With the mercury dipping below freezing, how could Mom stand for that?

Suzy snorted, "Doesn't she have her own place? Dragging her kid back to her parents' for the holidays, isn't she worried about the gossip?"

I shot up from my seat, fuming, "Since when do I need your okay to come back to my own house?"

I had poured everything into this house. Ever since I graduated, Mom and Dad had not worked a day. I spent my paychecks and savings to give this place a makeover. The furniture, the AC, the couch, even the silverware—all of it was on my dime.

She thought she could just kick me to the curb?

Seeing me berating Suzy, my brother lost it and shoved me.

"Amy, what's with the attitude toward Suzy? This is my place, and it's Suzy's too. Let's face it, you're the one who left the nest. Suzy's not wrong!"

Mom was quick to back him up, "That's right, Amy. How can you even start to compare with Suzy? Better call your hubby to come get you.

"Coming back to your parents' place for New Year's, aren't you scared of what your in-laws might say?"

I chuckled bitterly. "Can't go back. We're divorced now."

"What?!"

Dad's eyes nearly popped out of his head, "When did you guys split? Why didn't I know?"

Marrying into a family with clout and cash had given Dad a reason to strut around the village. However, my ex was living a life of chaos, and I just could not take it anymore. That was why I called it quits.

Mom was right on my heels, gripping my sleeve. "Is this for real? You got divorced without even telling us about it?"

I wrinkled my brow and shrugged her off. "It's done. I'm out of that marriage. Is that a problem?"

Before I knew it, I felt a stinging slap across my face.

I clutched my cheek, staring at Dad in disbelief.

He was fuming, his face beet red as he jabbed a finger at me. "Who said you could end your marriage? What's going to happen to your brother now? I was counting on your husband to help him get a place in the city!"

I could not help but snicker. "Isn't my brother dating Miss Moneybags? He can just move in with her family. Her Highness wouldn't say no, would she?"

Panic flickered in Suzy's eyes as she snapped, "I never wanted Henry to be the one moving in. If he can't even buy a house, how is he supposed to make me feel safe and secure, let alone our future kid?"

"You're expecting?" Mom gasped, thrilled, reaching out to touch her belly.

Suzy huffed. "I came back to see if you people were serious. You're broke and rude. Maybe I should just forget the whole pregnancy!"

She spun on her heel to leave.

My brother blocked her path. "Suzy, don't be mad. It's all my sister's fault. I'll get her to say sorry, okay?"

Suzy let out a cold laugh. "She'll apologize to me? She probably wants me gone!"

Mom clutched at my arm. "Didn't you hear her? Say you're sorry to your sister-in-law. What if you upset your nephew? Could you live with that?"

Her nails dug into my skin, sending a jolt of pain that made me wince.

Dad was puffing on his cigarette with a scowl, not bothering to stick up for me.

I felt a chill settle in my heart.

Dad did not really love me after all, it seemed. I guess I was only ever valuable to him because I was useful.

I had planned to reassure them that even with the divorce, the hefty sum I got would be more than enough to take care of them.

However, after all this, what was the point?

"Why do I need to apologize? What did I do wrong? You're all so eager to kick me out, and she hasn't even officially joined the family yet!"

Suzy huffed, "You don't have to go. Henry told me your ex-husband is loaded, right? We're tying the knot soon, so how about you buy us a house in Kingsgate City? I'll let bygones be bygones."

I nearly burst out laughing. "You've got some nerve! Do you have any idea how much those Kingsgate City houses cost?"

However, she just smirked and said, "Of course I do. Our family owns a place there. If you don't even have a Kingsgate City house, what makes you think you're good enough to marry into our family?

"If you're not on board, maybe I'll just end the pregnancy!"

'It's not my kid. She can do whatever she wants,' I mused.

However, the moment she said that, Mom panicked. She grabbed my arm so hard that it hurt. "No way, that's my precious grandchild you're talking about, Amy! How much money did you get? Spill it!" she pleaded.

I bit my lip. My ex did not just leave me and my daughter with a million in cash; he threw in several properties and even a whole company.

My younger brother was on edge. "Sis, why the silent treatment? Suzy isn't after your cash. I've told you a million times, she's the Cromwell Group CEO's kid! Her liking me is like winning the lottery for us."

I narrowed my eyes. Cromwell Group owned the famous restaurant and hotel chains in town. However, my ex-husband had said he settled that with me.

I cut to the chase. "Really? I happen to know the Head of Cromwell Group. What's her old man's name?"

Suzy gave me an eye roll. "Why should I tell you? You think you're worthy of knowing my dad's name?

"We're not exactly hurting for money. However, Dad insists on marrying someone our own caliber. If you can't afford a house, just say so and stop wasting my time!"

She grabbed her purse, ready to storm out.

My brother was practically groveling. "Suzy, it's freezing out there! Don't catch a cold! It's just a house. Amy will totally help out with that."

Mom was quick to support him. "Exactly, she's got only one baby brother. If she won't help you, who will she help? Amy, say something, will you? Do you want to give me and your dad a heart attack?"

Dad was still fuming, flicking away his cigarette ash. "Why waste words on a thankless snake? If you can't cough up a million five hundred thousand bucks for your brother's house today, you might as well pack your bags!"

Outside, the wind howled and snow swirled.

My little girl clung to my leg, trembling with fear.

The closest town was a solid 30-minute drive away. Frankly, what kind of place would be open on New Year's Eve?

I bit back my frustration and tried to explain, "Dad, I didn't exactly hit the jackpot in the divorce, just a little over a hundred thousand, and it's all for the child."

"Over a hundred thousand is still a chunk of change. Does Tracy really need that much cash?"

Before I could answer, Mom jumped in, "Where's that hundred fifty thousand dollars? Hand it over, I'll keep it safe for you."

My brother wiggled his eyebrows at me and teased, "Hey Sis, it's Suzy's first time over, and you haven't even given her a welcome gift."

Dad gave me that look. "We've put so much into raising you. It's about time you gave back to the family."

Their eyes were practically glowing green, like they were vampires ready to drain me dry. I could not even fake a smile.

"How do you want me to give back? I'm broke."

"Then pack your bags and leave. We don't shelter freeloaders here!"

Dad's finger jabbed towards the door with zero warmth. Fireworks popped in the distance, but I was freezing inside.

I grabbed my daughter, ready to bolt, but my purse seemed to have swallowed my car keys whole.

My brother jingled the keys in front of me. "We need the car to make our New Year's rounds, Sis. Looks like you'll be going on foot."