The usual sharp edge left her voice, and it sounded suddenly small and thin.

“Can the bank really take the house, Avery?” Chloe asked, staring down at the kitchen floor tiles between us.

“Brandon said it was just standard paper checks going through clearing, but Mom was crying in her dressing room before dinner.”

“The bank default notice is dated November eighteenth,” I said flatly.

“Four million dollars in unsecured debt across twelve defaulted condo lots.”

Chloe blinked twice and her chest rose sharply, then she pulled her shoulders back and forced a harsh, defensive sneer onto her face.