She gave me “the look,” but this time I couldn’t back down.

“Margaret, don’t give me that look.”

She blinked.

I continued. “I won’t pretend I wasn’t pleased when I heard the news, but if you cut Daniel off, he won’t be able to pay child support. Those are your grandchildren.”

Something shifted in her expression. “It’s good to see you’ve finally grown a backbone, Claire, but let me finish. Daniel didn’t tell you the most important part.”

“What do you mean?”

Margaret adjusted her teacup. “I’m not going to leave my grandchildren without support. You will now receive the same amount he was earning, paid directly to you from my personal account. For the children.”

Tears stung my eyes.

“And as for the inheritance… I would rather leave my estate to the eight children he abandoned.”

I stood up and did something I never thought I would.

I hugged Margaret.

She stiffened for half a second, then gently patted my back.

“Thank you,” I whispered into her shoulder.

“I’m so sorry for what he did to you,” she said softly. “His behavior is utterly reprehensible.”

I stepped back, wiped my eyes, and pulled out my phone.

“I’m going to call him and let him know how this went.”

Margaret nodded calmly and lifted her teacup.

He answered immediately. “Claire? Did you get her to change her mind?”

I glanced across the table at Margaret. “No. Your attempt to manipulate me failed, Daniel. Your mother explained everything.”

“What? But-but you two hate each other. Why would she — you! What did you say to her? This is all your fault!”

“Daniel, everything that’s happened to you is your own fault.”

I hung up.

Across the table, Margaret calmly raised her teacup and took a slow sip.

For the first time in twenty years, Margaret and I were finally on the same side.

To see the full instructions for this recipe, go to the next page or click the open button (>) and don't forget to share it with your friends on Facebook.