His younger sisters had taken over the couch.
Vanessa Carter was busy scrolling through designer handbags on a brand-new iPhone Ethan had bought her for graduation.
Courtney Carter sat laughing at TikTok videos on her tablet.
Madison Carter complained loudly because her food delivery forgot extra sauce.
Burger wrappers, milkshake cups, and fries covered the coffee table.
The air smelled like expensive perfume and takeout grease.
Ethan paid for all of it.
Every bill.
Every subscription.
Every luxury.
“Where’s Olivia?” he asked.
Vanessa barely looked up.
“In the kitchen, probably.”
“Probably?”
Courtney shrugged carelessly.
“She said she’d clean everything.”