The bank manager turned the screen toward Ethan.”Mrs. Eleanor has a primary account with substantial holdings.”Ethan stared at the numbers. His face went completely white.”Mom… what is this?”I looked at him calmly.”It seems there’s more to me than you thought.”For years, he had believed I was just a quiet widow with an old car and a small house.He never imagined I had protected my finances — and my future — long before he came asking for a $200,000 loan.The manager looked at me.”Mrs. Eleanor, do you still wish to continue with the application?”I shook my head.”No. I have other plans for my assets.”Ethan’s voice trembled.”You lied to us.””No,” I replied. “I protected myself.”The drive home was silent.Finally, Ethan asked, “Why didn’t you just say no?”I looked at him.”Because I wanted you to see what greed can turn you into.”That night, sitting alone in my bungalow, I looked at my husband’s photograph.”I did it, love,” I whispered.They never saw it coming.
