“Mom. You look tired.”
“Pregnancy does that.”
Her expression tightened.
I’d never discussed the pregnancy publicly before.
But it was mine to discuss.
Not hers to weaponize.
Halfway through the event, Paige stepped up to the microphone.
She talked about family tradition and preserving local landmarks.
Then she displayed plans for a proposed hospitality property.
My farmhouse appeared on the screen.
Fresh landscaping.
A gravel parking area.
A new reception building where Dad’s vegetable garden stood.
Paige smiled.
“We’re excited about this next chapter for the Weller family property.”
People applauded politely.
I stood.
“Paige, who gave you permission to use my property in that presentation?”
The room grew quiet.
Her smile froze.
“Mom, we’ve discussed this.”
“We discussed your request. I said no.”
Frank rose from his chair.
“Celia, this isn’t appropriate.”
I turned toward him.
“Neither is presenting property you don’t own as part of a development project.”
