I looked at Mom, but she just gave me this "calm down" look.

She glanced back at Regina's ridiculous list and asked, "How about this - I'll give you both $2 million for a down payment on a house. You and John can pay the mortgage together, and both your names will be on the deed?"

Regina waved her hand dismissively.

"No way. First off, I'm pregnant, so I can't work or pay any mortgage. Second, I'm doing your family a favor by giving you a grandchild. The least you can do is give me a house. It's only fair."

Mom fell silent, looking at the final condition on the list.

"So if I don't agree to all this, you'll abort the baby?"

Regina smiled sweetly, but her words were pure venom.

"Exactly. If you can't meet these demands, I won't give the Sinclairs their precious baby. And I'll dump Aiden right away. Let him stay single forever - end your family line right here."

Mom shot a look at my brother, who just kept his head down, totally silent. Some backbone he had!

Finally, Mom made her decision.

"Go home and take care of yourself. The wedding will be in a month."

I caught that flash of triumph in Regina's eyes before she asked, "And my conditions?"

Mom nodded calmly. "Just wait for the wedding day. Everything will be exactly as it should be."

After Regina left, looking like the cat who ate the canary, I was heartbroken.

"Mom, are you really kicking me out? Trading your daughter for a grandchild?"

Mom looked at my pouty face and chuckled, taking my hand. "Oh honey, when have you ever known your mother to let anyone push her around?"

I was confused. "But you just promised her a wedding in a month, and agreed to everything!"

Mom's smile got bigger. "Weren't you planning to get married anyway?"

It hit me like a ton of bricks. "Wait... this wedding is for ME?"

Mom's smile disappeared, her face turning serious. "That woman's nothing but trouble - scheming and calculating from head to toe. Did you really think I'd agree to those ridiculous demands? Money is one thing, but kicking out my daughter? Please!"