ARIA
I drain the scotch, letting the burn ground me.
"So what do we do?"
"We're smart and we're careful. We increase security, and we prepare for the possibility that this isn't over." He pulls me close. "And when the estate distributes next month, we make sure you're protected."
"I should give it up. My share. Let them have it and be done with this."
"Absolutely not." His voice is firm. "That money is yours. Your grandparents left it to you because they wanted you to have it. Don't let your family's poor financial decisions and manipulation guilt you into giving up what's rightfully yours."
"But if it means people stop coming after me..."
"They won't stop. That's not how desperation works." He turns me to face him. "If you give up your share, they'll just see you as someone who can
