My parents bequeathed their ENTIRE estate to my brother, so I ceased covering their expenses. Weeks later, my mom texted

Fine. I was about to teach them a lesson they wouldn’t forget. I grabbed my keys and stormed downstairs, my blood boiling.

I wasn’t scared. I was furious. The sheer audacity of these people to show up at my home, uninvited, demanding money like I was their personal ATM.

Not even a phone call first. Not even a half-hearted apology. Just a full-on ambush.

They really thought they could just corner me into submission like I was some naive kid. I yanked the door open. In there they were, mom, dad, and, of course, Eric, all standing in a tight little formation like they were about to stage a family intervention.

Mom had her arms crossed, her classic disappointed mother look locked and loaded. Dad was standing stiff, hands in his pockets, his expression a mix of frustration and entitlement, like he couldn’t believe I was actually making him do this in person. And Eric? The little leech had the nerve to look bored, like this whole situation was just mildly inconvenient for him, like he wasn’t the reason any of this was happening.

The moment mom saw me, she went full theatrics. Jake. Finally.

We need to talk. I leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. No.

You need to leave. She blinked, as if she physically couldn’t comprehend what I just said. Excuse me.

You heard me. My voice was calm, controlled, but firm. You don’t get to just show up at my apartment demanding money.

That’s insane. Dad let out a sharp scoff. Are you really going to let us lose the house over a petty grudge? I let out a cold laugh.

Petty grudge? Oh, you mean the one where you decided I was good enough to pay your bills but not good enough to be in your will? That grudge. Mom gassed, clutching her chest like I had just slapped her. Jake, that’s not fair.

We only did what we thought was best for the family. I tilted my head. Best for the family? You mean best for Eric.

Just say it. Silence. A long, heavy silence.

Eric, who had been weirdly quiet up until now, finally spoke up. Look, man, I don’t even want to be involved in this. I didn’t ask for anything.

I turned to him, finally letting loose. No. You just sit back and take everything that’s handed to you.

You’re 28 years old, Eric. Get a damn job. His face turned red.

Dude, what the hell? I took a step closer. You heard me. You want to inherit the house? Start acting like a homeowner…