“Dad threatened to cut off anyone who contacted her. Financial support, jobs in the family company, even money for my children’s education.”

I felt a surge of anger.

“So you chose your father’s money over your own sister.”

Her face crumpled.

“Yes,” she whispered. “And I’ve regretted it ever since.”

For several moments, neither of us spoke.

Then I asked the question that had been haunting me.

“What did Claire do that was so unforgivable?”

Meredith looked up.

“She married Daniel.”

I stared at her.

“My son?”

“Our father wanted Claire to marry someone wealthy and influential. Daniel wasn’t from that world.”

My jaw tightened.

“Daniel worked hard every day.”

“I know.”

“He repaired school buses. He was honest, responsible, and devoted to his family.”

Meredith nodded.

“Claire told me that in her letter.”

I felt tears burning behind my eyes.

“Your father rejected his daughter because she married a mechanic?”