My father left when I was seven, forcing Mom to raise Nick (12) and me alone. She worked low‑pay jobs while Liam entered our lives—with two daughters, Cleo (11) and Emma (13). Though finances were split “equally,” Mom scraped by while Liam spoiled his girls with trips and rooms; Nick and I shared a cramped room.
We grew up, escaped to college, built careers, and found independence. At 28, I returned home, and Liam demanded $25,000 each from Nick and me for Cleo’s house deposit—tying inheritance to compliance. Rejecting him, I confronted Mom, who revealed she actually owns 40% of our house thanks to her inheritance. Liam’s attempt to sell failed—Mom refuses to sign. She plans to leave her share to Nick and me.