‘Your father wanted me to live here for the rest of my life and I intend to honour his wishes.’

Ella frowned. ‘Do you honestly think you’d be here now if he were still alive? You know what he was like, Faith. At some point he would have tossed you on the scrapheap and taken everything, just like he did with Mum.’

‘You can hardly claim Rosemary was left with nothing,’ Faith challenged. ‘Your mother had a healthy payout from the divorce. I should know, things could have been very different for me if Derek hadn’t been forced to cash in his pension.’

Ella straightened up and set down her glass. ‘Mum got a fraction of what she deserved, Dad saw to that. He was a manipulator of the worst kind.’

‘According to Rosemary.’

‘You know it’s true.’

‘I don’t disagree that’s what your mother wants you to believe,’ Faith replied. ‘But I’m worried that you’ve become as fixated on this house as she is. Let it go, Ella. This is my home.’

‘Technically, it’s only half yours.’

Faith tipped back her head. They were usually too polite to mention the true reason why they continued to suffer each other’s company. For all of Derek’s alleged faults, he had left his estranged daughter with a generous inheritance. Ella was entitled to half the proceeds should the house be sold, but Derek’s first concern had been for his wife. Faith had been granted a life-interest in the property, which meant Ella wouldn’t receive a penny until Faith sold up or dropped dead.

‘This is my home until I or my maker dictate otherwise.’

‘Dad wouldn’t be too pleased about someone else moving in,’ Ella said churlishly. Derek had always said she was a whiny child.

‘If your father’s feelings came into it, neither would he want Rosemary sneaking in through the back door. I know it wasn’t your idea to buy me out of my share,’ Faith said. ‘Your mother might be fool enough to let her life be dictated by a dead man, but I’m not. For once, I’m putting myself first. I’ve made my decision, Ella, and woe betide anyone who tries to stand in my way.’

RESPONSES

Evie Chadwick @EvieandChad

Replying to @thewidowsclub

It was a disaster waiting to happen. There should have been proper background checks. Why aren’t these so-called admins being charged with negligence?

Nora Pendle @NoraPen77

Replying to @thewidowsclub

Too right. They have to accept some responsibility for what that poor woman went through.

Petersj @Petersjhome

Replying to @thewidowsclub

You’re missing the point. It’s not about who was allowed to join, it’s about what went on in their inner circle. From what I’ve read, there was too much focus on negative emotions which led to negative outcomes. It shouldn’t have happened.

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