Chapter 42

"Stop it! Haven't you had enough?" I couldn't hold back any longer. My patience snapped as I shouted at Mom, my anger spilling over. "What happens between Sophia and me is none of your business! I already told you I'll figure out a way to deal with the debt. Why won't you trust me? How many times have I warned you about falling for these scams? Did you listen? No! "And now that you've been conned out of so much money, who do you have to blame but yourself? Mom, you're coming home with me right now. If you don't, don't expect me to help you ever again." Mom stood frozen in place, her gaze darting between Sophia and me. Sophia scoffed and raised her hands in slow applause. "Well done. That was quite the performance. One of you plays the villain, the other the victim. A perfect act. Joshua, I'm not stupid. Don't think for a second you can fool me again. And just so we're clear, I'm not your bank account. If you need money so badly, get a loan." With that, Sophia turned and made he