Part 3Exposing My Parasite Family Online

My mother insisted on a big dinner for her 60th birthday at a high-end steakhouse in the city. She wanted all the relatives there to witness her "triumph."

The private room was packed. My aunts and uncles were draped over Diane and Kyle, their voices thick with practiced flattery.

"Diane, you’re so lucky!" Aunt Martha gushed. "Kyle is doing so well, buying a BMW? He’s really the star of the family."

"And Casey is such a good sister," another uncle added. "Giving up seventy thousand dollars just like that? That’s real family loyalty."

Diane beamed, her vanity on full display. "Oh, you know how it is. The kids are just so successful. Casey’s just doing her part. It’s what we do for each other."

Kyle was strutting around the room like he’d already won the lottery, his chest puffed out, enjoying the attention he hadn’t earned. Tiffany was clinging to his arm, making sure everyone heard her say, "Kyle promised the first ride is for Mom. She’s worked so hard; she deserves a little luxury."

I sat in the corner, a ghost at my own execution, picking at a salad.

Finally, an aunt turned to me. "So, Casey, now that your savings are going to your brother, what about you? Any plans for a house? Or a husband?"

Diane jumped in before I could breathe. "Oh, Casey? She’s got her books and her little job. She’s too picky anyway. Besides, a woman should use her money to support the men in her family. Who else is going to protect her when she’s old?"

The words felt like needles under my skin. But I just took a sip of water and felt the weight of the digital recorder in my pocket.

Kyle stumbled over, clearly a few drinks in, and slapped my shoulder. "Don't worry, Case! When I’m a millionaire, I’ll give you a nice little allowance for your wedding. If you ever find a guy who can stand you! Haha!"

Tiffany smirked. "So, Case, the car… the money is all set, right? You aren't just talking big to impress the family, are you?"

I put my glass down and looked her straight in the eyes. I gave her a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "Don't worry, Tiffany. You’ll get exactly what’s coming to you. All of you will."

She blinked, confused by my tone, and drifted away.

The atmosphere reached a fever pitch. It was time for the cake.

A massive, three-tier cake was wheeled in. Diane stood up, basking in the candlelight. She made a show of making a wish, then blew out the candles to a round of applause.

"Casey, honey," she said, her voice projecting to the back of the room. "Since everyone is here, why don't you give Kyle his gift? Let everyone share in the joy."

Every eye in the room turned to me. Some were curious, some were envious, a few looked pitying. Kyle and Tiffany were practically vibrating with greed.

I stood up slowly. Instead of a check or a bank card, I pulled a sleek black USB drive from my purse.

The room had a projector and a screen—Diane had intended to use it for a slideshow of her "glory days." I walked over to the laptop, my movements steady.

"Mom, don't worry," I said, my voice eerily polite. "The money is ready. But before we get to that, I wanted to show everyone a little tribute I put together. A look at how 'harmonious' this family really is."

I plugged the drive in.

Kyle frowned. "Case, what are you doing? Just give me the card."

Diane’s smile faltered. "Casey, don't be dramatic. Just sit down."

I ignored them. I clicked on the folder labeled Birthday Surprise and hit play.