Anne’s father had raised her alone since her mother left when she was only five years old.
But one evening, she came home from work and found a note from her mother stuck to her door. They later had dinner together, and Anne learned surprising things about her past. Her trust in her father changed—until he revealed something startling.
Anne had been anticipating a calm night at home with her husband, Edward. They’d met in college, and at first, her father, Chris, disapproved. That was instinct—he didn’t trust easily, especially after founding the Harrison Group and gaining wealth.
Anne remembered the night vividly. She was five, and her parents were always fighting. After one particularly loud argument, Fiona walked out. Back then, Chris worked three jobs to support them, only starting his company years later.
Eventually, Chris warmed to Edward and admired their relationship. He especially loved that Edward turned down a position at Harrison Group to pursue his own passion. Chris respected his ambition and left it alone. Anne, however, did work for him, earning her place despite being the boss’s daughter.
It was demanding work, and now, she was on her way home looking forward to preparing dinner and sharing her day with Edward. But at her door, she found a post-it.
Please, call me. Love, Mom.
A phone number followed. Anne froze. Her mother hadn’t answered in years. Why now? Did she need money? There was only one way to know—call her.
“Hello, darling!” Fiona beamed when Anne entered the restaurant. She’d called the number and agreed to lunch the next day. Now, sitting across from her mother, Anne felt tense—this was a stranger.
“Hey… Mom,” she said.
“If that feels odd, call me Fiona,” the woman said, gesturing for her to sit.
“Thank you for calling. I’ve wanted to catch up.”
“Why now, Fiona? I was five the last time I saw you. What do you want?” Anne asked.
“I want the truth out,” Fiona said firmly. “It was all your father’s fault…”
Fiona assumed that she’d tried to see Anne years ago, but Chris refused. She understood—Anne had been hurt when she left—but she eventually tracked down her address and decided to access.
“You’ve had years to find me. Why now? Do you need money?” Anne asked.
“No! I have a wealthy husband now. I’m paying for lunch today! I just want a relationship with you before it’s too late. Is it?”
Anne considered. “No. Tell me about yourself.”
They chatted for hours, Fiona ordering freely—even expensive wine. Anne was convinced she didn’t need money.
Yet later, Anne fumed. If Fiona was right, her father had blocked her for years. She understood his need to protect her, but she’d been an adult for some time. Instead of going home, she went to see him.
“How could you keep her from me? That wasn’t fair!” she cried.
“She’s lying, Anne,” Chris countered.
“No! You are!”
Chris sighed and led her to his office. “You’re old enough to know the truth now.” He played a video from the mid-2000s, showing Fiona threatening court action unless he paid her. She smiled when he handed her cash and left.
He had video after video of similar scenes. “My lawyer told me to record it in case she came back for more,” he explained.
“But maybe she’s altered. She paid for lunch,” Anne recommened.
Chris shook his head. “This was yesterday—right before she left you that note.”
Anne recognized her clothes from the meeting. Once again, Fiona demanded money.
“But why pay her now? I’m an adult.”
“I didn’t want her near you or Edward. She’s toxic. I’d do it again if you want,” Chris said gently.
Anne said: “No. This ends now. I’ll handle it.”
“Darling! I’m so glad you called! Ready to forgive me?” Fiona commented.
“Of course, Mom,” Anne said. “But I’m paying today—order whatever you like.”
“That’s wonderful!” Fiona gushed.
Two hours later, Fiona excused herself. “Order the check, sweetie. We’ll do something fun after.”
Anne did—and left a post-it on it.
She’ll pay when she comes out, she told the waiter.
Fiona wrote the note:
I enjoyed lunch, you shrew. Good luck paying for it!
Anne never saw her again, though she heard Fiona made a huge scene when she couldn’t pay.
