Grant leaned toward her, whispering something through a fixed smile. My mother hurried in. “Say thank you, Brianna. Your sister worked very hard—”
“I am saying thank you,” Brianna snapped. “I just don’t want to fake excitement about living near a strip mall.”
I kept smiling. If I stopped, my face might say something honest.
I gently took the microphone from the DJ.
“Hi, everyone. I’m Avery—Brianna’s sister.”
Phones lifted.
“I bought that condo because I love my sister and wanted her to begin her marriage with stability.”
I paused.
“But gifts don’t function when they’re met with entitlement. And I agree—no one should live somewhere they don’t want to.”
Brianna’s relief returned. “Exactly.”
I nodded. “So I’ll keep it.”
Her expression collapsed.
“What?” she said sharply.
“I’ll keep the condo,” I repeated calmly. “Ownership transfers after I file the deed. I brought the documents to finalize it tonight. Since you declined it publicly, I won’t insist.”
My father looked stunned. My mother’s eyes flashed panic.
“You can’t take it back,” Brianna hissed.
“I can,” I said. “An offer refused isn’t a gift given.”
Grant tried diplomacy. “Maybe we should talk privately—”
“After the speeches,” I replied evenly. “After Brianna enjoys the celebration she planned.”
