My parents told me «You’re adopted, you get nothing when we die.» Then grandma’s lawyer called: «She left you $2 million… and a letter about your parents’ lies.» I drove to their house with a smile…

Susan sat down quickly, smoothing her hair. Well, my father said, forcing a smile, I guess it’s time to sort out Mom’s affairs. I appreciate you coming all the way out here.

Actually, Margaret said, I’m here for Austin. The room went quiet. I don’t understand, Susan said slowly.

Margaret opened her briefcase and pulled out a folder. I’m here to inform Austin about his inheritance from Eleanor Caldwell’s estate. His inheritance? My father’s voice cracked slightly.

There must be some mistake. Austin isn’t. I mean, he wasn’t really.

He wasn’t really what, Mr. Caldwell. Margaret’s voice was ice cold. He’s adopted, Susan said quickly.

Eleanor wasn’t his real grandmother. She had no obligation to leave him anything. Margaret turned to me.

Austin, would you like to tell them what you learned yesterday, or shall I? I stood up, pulling out the letter. I learned that I’m not adopted. I learned that Jennifer Caldwell was my mother, and she died when I was two.

I learned that Susan convinced my father to give me up for adoption, and the only reason they didn’t was because Grandma Eleanor threatened to fight for custody. Susan’s face went white. Logan and Ashley looked confused.

That’s not true, Susan stammered. That’s impossible. I also learned, I continued, that Grandma Eleanor left me her entire estate.

The house, the investments, and 2.1 million dollars in cash. The silence that followed was deafening. That can’t be right, my father said, his voice hollow.

She promised us. She said the estate would be divided equally among the grandchildren. She lied, I said simply, just like you lied to me for 21 years.

Ashley found her voice first. Wait, what about us? What did we get? Margaret consulted her papers. You and Logan each received five thousand dollars.

Five thousand. Logan exploded. That’s it.

What about the house? What about all her money? It all goes to Austin, Margaret said calmly. Susan stood up abruptly. This is ridiculous.

We’ll contest the will. Austin has no right to any of this money. We’re the ones who took care of Eleanor.

We’re the ones who visited her, who helped her when she was sick. Actually, Margaret said, Mrs. Caldwell documented quite extensively that you prevented Austin from visiting her. She also documented that your visits usually involved asking for money.

You can contest the will if you like, she continued, but I should warn you that Mrs. Caldwell anticipated that possibility. The will is ironclad, witnessed by multiple parties, and she was evaluated by two separate psychiatrists who confirmed her mental competency. A contest would be expensive and futile.

My father slumped back in his chair. Austin, you have to understand. We never meant for things to go this way…