Money is considered the root of all evil, but this lifeless piece of paper doesn’t change anyone; people change on their own. In the following stories, people showed their true colors when they had large sums of money at their disposal.
One of the three people in the following stories tried to take her husband’s life and money by throwing his son out, while another tried to reunite a feuding family through money. A third took out a life insurance policy and pretended to be dead. Read on to learn all about these stories.
A family sitting around a table filled with money | Source: Midjourney
1. My mother-in-law tried to kick me out before discovering something shocking about our house, which turned the tables
When I came home from work, I was exhausted. University classes by day, working in game stores by night… it was endless. I never wanted this part-time job, especially since my father’s income could cover my expenses.
But my stepmother, Karen, insisted, claiming it would “teach her responsibility.” When I walked in, my father and stepmother were on my tail. Karen immediately lashed out at me, asking, “Why are you late? You were supposed to clean today!”
A distraught woman | Source: Midjourney
I tried to stay calm.
“I had a long day. I’ll clean up tomorrow.”
My mother-in-law crossed her arms, her voice sharp as she asked, “Tomorrow? That’s not how responsibilities work, Marcus.”
I couldn’t help myself. “You’re home all day. Is cleaning really that hard?”
Her face reddened. “How dare you talk to me like that!”
Just then, Dad walked into the room, looking between us. “What’s going on?”
“Marcus refuses to clean up,” Karen said, crossing her arms.
“I’m not refusing. I said I’ll do it tomorrow. I’m tired,” I explained, swallowing my frustration.
An upset boy | Source: Pexels
Dad sighed and glanced at Karen. “He’ll do it tomorrow.”
Relieved, I turned toward my room, but Dad stopped me. “Don’t go anywhere tonight, son. We have some news to share.”
I nodded and went upstairs.
When Dad came to pick me up later, I dragged myself to the table, where a cold plate of leftovers awaited. As I dug into my plate, I felt Karen and Dad’s eyes on me.
“What’s this big news?” I asked, looking up.
A boy looking ahead at the dinner table | Source: Midjourney
Dad shared a quick glance with Karen. “We’re having a baby!” they announced together.
I froze, almost choking. “Uh… congratulations,” I managed, forcing a smile.
Dad looked delighted, but Karen’s expression remained cold.
Growing somber, he began: “My son, I don’t know how to say this… but…”
“Actually, Marcus,” Karen began, cutting my father off, “you need to move.”
“What? Dad, what is she talking about?!” I stammered, looking at my father in shock.
A confused boy | Source: Mijdourney
Karen’s gaze didn’t waver. “My baby is on the way, and we need to prepare the house for him, maybe do some renovations. You’ll just be a burden and get in our way. We need space for our child.”
“Dad? Where will I go? I can’t afford rent… I work part-time and I study! And… My God, this is my house too! Dad, say something! Please!” I looked at him, feeling a wave of betrayal.
Dad shifted uncomfortably, looking at me and Karen, but he remained silent.
Realizing I was alone, I said, “You know what? You two can go to hell!” before storming off to my room and slamming the door!
Angry boy storms off | Source: Midjourney
That night, I lay there, feeling lost and abandoned. They couldn’t just throw me away, I thought desperately. When their muffled voices came through the door, I pressed my ear to it.
Dad looked hesitant when he said, “Maybe he should stay until he finishes school…”
Karen’s response was sharp. “Tom, we’ve already talked about this. He has to go.”
At that moment, I felt completely alone.
An upset boy | Source: Midjourney
Karen’s voice cut in: “You have three days to find a solution,” she insisted, after entering my room without even knocking.
I felt the heat rise in my face. “I’m a student and I have a part-time job! I can’t afford an apartment, let alone in three days!”
But I was talking behind my mother-in-law’s back as she moved away.
Then I thought of Grandma Rose. Maybe she could help me. I dialed her number, my hands shaking.
“Grandma Rose? It’s Marcus,” I choked out.
“Marcus? What’s wrong?” she asked, worried.
An upset woman on the phone | Source: Pexels
I spilled everything out, barely holding back my tears.
Rose listened silently, then said, “Don’t do anything, darling. I’ll be there soon.”
The next day, my late grandmother’s sister arrived at our door, her eyes blazing. She didn’t wait a second.
“Everyone to the living room. Right away.”
Karen’s gaze met Rose’s, but it was my grandmother who spoke first.
“How dare you throw a child out of his home?” she demanded, her voice like steel.
An upset woman screaming | Source: Freepik
“Marcus is not a child,” Karen retorted.
“Until he finishes school, he is,” Rose replied. “But none of that matters. This is Marcus’s home. He’s not going anywhere.”
I blinked in shock as Karen scoffed. Rose’s next words silenced her.
“My late sister left the house to Marcus before she died. It’s been his since he was eighteen.”
A silence ensued, and Karen’s face twisted in anger. But Rose wasn’t finished.
“And by the way, Karen, what’s the wine you were drinking like? Strange for a pregnant woman.”
A woman looks guilty | Source: Midjourney
Karen’s face went pale. “What? How do you know?”
“I saw you this morning at the cafe with your friend on the way here,” Rose replied.
“There’s no baby!” Karen exclaimed, horrified by her faux pas.
Dad looked at her, stunned. “You lied?” he whispered.
Karen tried to compose herself, but Rose’s calm voice interrupted her. “Pack your things and go.”
An angry woman screaming | Source: Midjourney
A few minutes later, Karen was gone. Dad looked at me, disappointed.
“I’m sorry, my son. I don’t know what came over me.”
For the first time in a long time, I felt safe. I hugged him, feeling the relief of finally being home.
A father hugging his son | Source: Midjourney
2. Hatred tore my family apart until my grandmother brought us together one last time with a big revelation.
Scott and I drove to Grandma Eleanor’s house for her 80th birthday. It was the first time in years the whole family had gotten together because we hated each other. My husband parked, and as we stepped out into the fresh air, he grumbled, “I still don’t understand why we’re here.”
“It’s Grandma’s birthday,” I reminded him. “She’s the only really nice person in this family, and she wanted us all together.”
He sighed. “I could work right now. You know we need money.”
A couple walking towards a house | Source: Pexels
“It’s a party,” I said, instinctively patting my stomach. “Do you think they’ll notice?”
Scott chuckled. “If I didn’t know, I wouldn’t notice. But how about you tell your grandmother?”
“Maybe at the end of the evening,” I whispered.
As we walked toward the door, my brother Michael and his wife, Stacy, called out, “Hey! Wait!”
Stacy hobbled in heels, complaining, “I can’t run in these!”
Scott and I exchanged a glance and rolled our eyes. We all knew Stacy was only sticking around for Michael’s money.
Scott urged me to press the doorbell. “Can we get this over with?”
Someone rings a doorbell | Source: Midjourney
At the door, Grandma Eleanor’s warm smile greeted us, hugging each of us. Inside, the table was laden with food.
“Why did you make so much, Grandma?” I asked, touched by the spread.
“Oh, I love doing that,” she replied, smiling.
As we were settling in, Michael asked, “Isn’t Mom here yet?”
“She’s not sure she can come,” Eleanor replied, a hint of sadness in her voice.
“That’s typical of her,” I muttered. “She never has time for us.”
Michael gave me a look. “Stop. She’s our mother.”
A man looking at someone | Source: Pexels
“Oh yeah? And she hasn’t wished me a happy birthday in years,” I snapped.
Michael’s face hardened. “You act like you’re perfect, Camilla! She should be focusing on her acting career!”
“And she put him before us every time because that’s the only thing that mattered to her!” I retorted.
Scott put a hand on my shoulder, “Camilla, maybe…”
I ignored him. “You only have these restaurants because your uncle gave them to you!”
Michael clenched his fists. “You’ve always been jealous of me, haven’t you?”
“Jealous of what? That you’re alone with a woman who’s only in it for your money?”
An angry woman | Source: Midjourney
“And you think you’re perfect?” he sneered. “Your husband can barely hold down a job, and how long have you been trying to have kids… five, ten years?”
“Fuck off!” I shouted, standing up.
“That’s enough!” Grandma Eleanor’s voice cut through the chaos as she stood up. “It’s my birthday. I brought you here to celebrate… not to argue! And as for the inheritance…”
I tilted my head towards her. “The inheritance?”
Eleanor’s voice was stern. “Your grandfather left something, and I have plans too, but I won’t leave a cent to either of you until you’ve proven yourself worthy and earned my trust.”
Close-up of an upset woman | Source: Midjourney
“What?” Michael asked. “How do I prove it?”
“Show me you deserve it,” she said calmly, then turned and left.
Needing air, I stepped outside, hands clutching my stomach. Michael followed me.
“Then we could have an inheritance,” he said, glancing at me.
“If you hadn’t messed everything up like usual,” I retorted.
“Me?” He looked stunned. “You started it!”
“Michael, I need this inheritance. Scott and I…” I hesitated.
He raised an eyebrow. “Why should I step aside? I need it too. Stacy’s about to leave if I don’t fix things at the restaurant.”
“Maybe she should leave,” I muttered, turning back toward the house. “I won’t give up.”
Two people talking | Source: Midjourney
Michael followed me inside, muttering, “It’s not fair, Camilla.”
I found Grandma in her room. “Grandma, I’m sorry I ruined this evening. Let me help you with anything.”
“Is this how you think you’ll earn an inheritance?” she asked, raising her eyebrows. “Do you really need it, Camilla?”
I placed a hand on my stomach. “Because…”
At that moment, Michael burst in, interrupting me. “Camilla is lying about me, Grandma!”
“We weren’t even talking about you,” she said dryly.
An annoyed woman | Source: Midjourney
Then, just as we were heading back to the dining room, Mom came rushing in with open arms. “My darlings!”
“Oh, Camilla,” she said, looking at me critically, “have you gained weight?”
I rolled my eyes and turned back to the table. More bickering ensued between my brother, me, and our mother, as we tried to prove who was more deserving of the inheritance. Suddenly, Grandma’s face went pale. She clutched her chest, and we heard a thud as she collapsed.
“Grandma!” I shouted, clutching my stomach. “Call an ambulance!”
A woman holding her pregnant belly | Source: Pexels
My husband rushed to my side, grabbing my hand. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s starting,” I gasped.
Scott’s eyes widened. “Work?”
“Yes!” I shouted.
Michael exclaimed, “You were pregnant?!”
Our mother commented, “I’m going to be a grandmother?!”
And I demanded that they call 911!
We had grown so far apart that I didn’t even want to tell them I was pregnant. I didn’t want to worry about it because Mom would have ignored her grandson the same way she had ignored me. The craziness in our family is why Scott and I moved far away.
An ambulance at work | Source: Pexels
The only person I truly loved was my grandmother. She was there for me all the time, the only light in this crazy family, and now she’s in danger of disappearing.
At the hospital, I refused to give birth until I knew about Eleanor. Scott begged me, “Camilla, focus on the baby!”
After an agonizing hour, our little girl was born, and when I woke up, Michael came in looking somber. That’s when I learned that Grandma had died while I was in labor.
“We found a note addressed to the family in your grandmother’s things,” said a nurse who came in.
A handwritten note | Source: Pexels
The note revealed that Nana had known I was pregnant and had left her entire inheritance to Scott and my child. She urged Michael to divorce his wife, who had chosen to stay home. Finally, she begged our mother to do better for us and her grandson.
Michael confessed remorsefully, “I’m sorry for what I said, Camilla.”
Our mother looked guilty, whispering, “Could I… be a real grandmother?”
“Maybe,” I replied, holding my newborn and feeling like our family was turning a new page when I announced, “Her name is Eleanor.”
A woman holding a baby | Source: Pexels
3. I thought my father was dead, but I discovered a grim truth when we tried to bury him
I got out of the car, stood in front of the church, and felt the weight of losing Dad crash down on me. “We didn’t even get to give him a proper burial,” I thought. Bella’s sudden bark interrupted me. She was his dog and was usually calm staying in the car, but not today.
“Bella!” I turned around, seeing her fidgeting at the window.
I waved my hand to calm her, and she lay down, though her eyes remained fixed on me.
A man sitting in a car with a dog | Source: Pexels
“Stay, Bella,” I whispered, patting her head through the window.
Leaving her wailing behind me, I walked inside. Dad’s coffin was at the front, roped around it since he’d died of an infection. I settled down next to my mom, knowing I’d never get a proper goodbye.
As the last hymn began, Bella’s barking echoed through the church. She had managed to get out of the car and jumped onto the coffin, the flowers splattering on the floor as she barked and scratched at the lid!
A closed coffin | Source: Pexels
Sensing something was wrong, I jumped up. “Open the coffin!” I shouted.
There were murmurs, but I didn’t care; I opened it myself.
It was empty!
Everyone jumped, but I barely heard. I turned to the undertaker and asked, “Where is he?!”
My mother’s knees buckled, and I caught her just before she passed out. I rushed her to the hospital, my mind racing. “How could Dad’s body have disappeared?” I wondered quietly.
A man deep in thought | Source: Midjourney
That evening, I called the police. Detective Inspector Bradshaw came to see me.
“The medical examiner confirmed your father’s death and released the body to the funeral home,” she said. “Could your father have gotten into trouble, Mr. Hayes?”
Dad had been a successful businessman who ran his own dog training and rehabilitation center. I doubted he’d ever take a risk that would threaten our family. Still, with no leads, Detective Bradshaw left. But I didn’t want to wait. Leaving Bella at home, I went to the morgue to get some answers.
A morgue | Source: Pexels
At reception, a nurse informed me: “The coroner has resigned and no replacement has been appointed.”
When I asked for Dad’s file, she refused until I slipped $1,000 across the counter. She closed her eyes when I walked into the coroner’s office, but Dad’s file was gone.
Frustrated, I went back to Dad’s office, opened his email, and found that all the messages had been deleted! That’s when Dad’s lawyer, Mr. Stevens, walked in.
“Ryan,” he greeted me, his tone serious. “You’re the new CEO of the company.”
A man talking to someone | Source: Pexels
“What happened to Dad’s things here?” I asked, noticing that two dancer figurines were missing.
Mr. Stevens shook his head.
“Your father supposedly brought them home, but I don’t think he ever found the third one. The collector wants half a million for it.”
I knew the figurines weren’t at home; I’d searched my parents’ house from top to bottom while I was packing up Dad’s things.
But Stevens went on to reveal something else: we were heavily in debt, and investors had pulled out since Dad had been missing meetings for months.
A shocked man | Source: Midjourney
Then he added, “And there’s something you should know. I think Arnold was having a relationship with his new secretary.”
Trying to ignore my anger, I spent the day appeasing the investors. Then I tracked down Dad’s secretary, Miss Pearson. That evening, I followed her home, and when she left, I slipped into her locked garage and into her house.
In her room, I found a framed picture of her kissing Dad!
A photo of a couple kissing | Source: Midjourney
Then I checked the coffee table and discovered a manila envelope. Inside was Dad’s $7 million life insurance policy, with Miss Pearson as the sole beneficiary! I went straight to the police with the evidence.
A few hours later, they confirmed that she had booked a flight to Morocco, which has no extradition treaty. Detective Inspector Bradshaw gathered her team at the airport, and they searched the crowd. But Miss Pearson was gone.
A busy airport | Source: Pexels
I refused to give up. My last lead was the third dancer. I tracked down her collector and paid the exorbitant sum of $750,000. I held an auction, hoping Dad would hear about it.
At the auction room, I watched from the shadows. Then, at $1 million, a familiar voice spoke up. Dad. I blocked his path while Detective Bradshaw placed the handcuffs on him.
He glared at me. “Ryan? You set me up!”
“You faked your death to run away with your mistress, leaving us to cry over an empty coffin!” I spat, horrified.
An upset man screaming | Source: Midjourney
Dad’s face fell as he confessed. He had faked his death to gain a new life. I looked at him coldly.
“You taught me that a man should do what is right, not follow his own selfish interests. I hope you remember that.”
Bradshaw assured me Miss Pearson wouldn’t get far. When they took Dad away, I knew he was finally going to face the consequences.
A man being arrested | Source: Midjourney
If you enjoyed those stories, you’ll be excited about this one, which tells the story of two siblings whose sister demanded to inherit everything after their grandmother died. The brother only took an old blanket that their grandmother had owned all her life, but he realized it had great significance .
This story is inspired by the daily lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to real names or places is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; it might just change someone’s life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to info@amomama.com.
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