Maria’s stepmom, Rebecca, stepped in to raise her after her mother died when Maria was 10. Rebecca managed the household and cared for Maria’s dad, especially in his later years. Maria, who often lived away, appreciated Rebecca’s support but never felt like the favored child. When her father passed away, Rebecca quickly took charge of the funeral and claimed that he had left everything to her, insisting there was no will.
Maria trusted her at first, but something felt off. Later, a lawyer contacted Maria, revealing there was indeed a will — one that split her father’s estate equally between Maria and Rebecca. Shocked and betrayed, Maria realized Rebecca had been lying for years, claiming everything belonged to her because of a “special arrangement” with Maria’s dad.
When Maria confronted Rebecca, her stepmom argued that she deserved everything for caring for Maria’s father while Maria was away. Maria, however, felt strongly that as his daughter, she had a rightful claim to her share, regardless of her physical absence during his last years.
Maria took legal action and successfully secured her inheritance. Now, Rebecca’s family is furious, accusing Maria of being ungrateful and disrespectful. While Maria knows she did what was legally and morally right, she is left wondering if uncovering Rebecca’s lies was worth the deep family rift it created.