Ever since I can remember, I’ve been the golden child of the family. My grandparents doted on me, while my brother, Tom, was always treated as an outsider. It broke my heart, and I knew I had to change it.

Tonight, the family dinner was tense. Grandpa cleared his throat. “We’ve decided to cut Christine off from the inheritance.” Gasps filled the room. “But why?” I stammered, hiding my satisfaction.

Earlier, I’d overheard Mom and Tom discussing how he felt like a second-class citizen. Determined to change things, I visited my grandparents and hinted at my extravagant plans, convincing them I wasn’t responsible.

Back at the dinner table, Grandpa announced, “Tom will inherit everything.” The room went silent. Mom’s eyes welled up with tears, Dad looked angry, and Tom was in shock.

“I’ll be fine,” I said quickly. “You deserve this, Tom.”

Tom, overwhelmed, excused himself. I found him in Grandpa’s study, staring out the window. “Why would they do this?” he asked.

“They believe in you,” I said. “You deserve this.”

Tom looked at me, suspicious. “Did you know about this?”

“Of course not,” I lied. “Maybe they liked your business idea?”

Tom smiled. “Thank you. If the college thing doesn’t work out, I’ll always have a job for you as janitor,” he joked.

We hugged, feeling years of resentment fade away. “I’ll do my best, Christine,” he said. “I promise.”

“I know you will, Tom,” I replied, hopeful for the future.