Delivering My Son's Ashes to His Father's Party - Chapter 3: Chapter 3

The lobby echoed with laughter as I entered. Olivia was showering Tyler with praise. "Tyler, I heard Charlie might get into Stanford this year. That's all thanks to your parenting. The boy's lucky to have you as his father."
Tyler shrugged casually. "Of course he's exceptional - he's my son, after all."
Joanna chimed in with her usual sugary tone. "Charlie's truly remarkable. Top grades, impeccable manners - everyone adores him."
Maeve, ever the instigator, elbowed Joanna playfully. "If you love him so much, why don't you become his stepmom?" The family erupted in laughter - everyone knew Maeve had been shipping Tyler and Joanna for years.
The cheerful atmosphere died the moment they noticed me. Faces froze like I'd brought in a bad smell.
"Wendy, where's Charlie?" Tyler's voice turned arctic.
I met his gaze steadily. "Suddenly you care about your son?"
His jaw tightened. "What's that supposed to mean? Everything I do is for Charlie! He's my only heir - the future of the Ford legacy. Of course I care!"
"Really? Could've fooled me. From where I stand, it looks like Joanna's getting all your attention." The memory still burned - Tyler abandoning us roadside during Charlie's SATs, choosing Joanna's damn dog over his own son's future. My chest ached just thinking about it.
The family gaped at me like I'd grown a second head. Gentle, compliant Wendy actually talking back?
Tyler's patience snapped. "So I missed one ride to school? How long are you going to milk this?"
Joanna seized her moment. "Honestly, Wendy, your petty jealousy is embarrassing. Throw tantrums with Tyler all you want, but today's Olivia's birthday. Charlie loves visiting his grandmother. How selfish can you be, keeping him away just to spite us?"