Chapter 6 - LINDA’S EXCUSELinda insisted she burned the papers to protect the family.
She repeated it until the phrase became meaningless.
Daniel asked:
“Which family?”
She cried.
“Your father. Rebecca. You.”
“Lily?”
Silence.
There it was.
Lily wasn't part of the family Linda meant when sacrifice became necessary.
Daniel felt something permanent change.
Linda eventually admitted she knew Robert was moving money improperly.
She didn't understand all the details.
But she understood enough.
When Anna challenged him, Linda decided Anna was trying to “tear everyone apart.”
After Anna died, Lily inherited not only her assets but, in Linda’s mind, Anna’s role as the person threatening family unity.
A five-year-old became symbolic enemy.
Not consciously at first.
Then gradually.
Linda mocked her.
Called her spoiled.
Questioned her stories.
When the laundry-room incident happened, Linda did what she had trained herself to do for decades.
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Protect Robert.
Then call that protecting family.
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