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After her father passed, a woman inherited a painting that her step-sister claimed had special meaning. While transferring the painting to her sister, she stumbled upon the unsettling truth of her sister’s motives. After confronting her sister, tension rose within the family.
Sole Beneficiary
The original poster (OP), whom we’ll refer to as Ruby, recently lost her father.
He was divorced, and his second wife had passed away a few years prior, leaving Ruby the sole beneficiary of her father’s will.
A Special Painting
Among many of his possessions, Ruby’s father had left behind a painting his late wife chose. They’d used this painting to decorate their primary home.
Everything Under Father’s Name
Although his wife had chosen the painting, Ruby’s father bought it. Ruby’s father was the primary breadwinner, and his wife chose not to work.
Due to this, the painting was left under her father’s name and included as part of his estate.
Sentimental Request
Shortly after Ruby’s father had passed away, she received a call from Maria, her stepsister. Maria asked Ruby if she would consider letting her have the painting; since her mother “loved it so much,” it held sentimental value.
Suspicions and Doubts
Ruby was a little suspicious because if that was the case, why didn’t Maria ask for the painting after her mother passed away?
The Value of the Painting
This wasn’t just an ordinary painting; it was beautiful and worth significant money. Ruby had difficulty parting with it but agreed to give it to Maria.
Betrayal and Deception
Ruby let Maria know she would make the arrangements and ship her the painting. A week later, Ruby received a call from a close friend letting her know something shady was happening.
Processing the Feeling of Betrayal
Ruby’s friend worked at the art gallery where her father had purchased the painting she was gifting Maria. She told Ruby that Maria had contacted her looking for a valuation on the painting.
A One-of-a-Kind Painting
Ruby’s friend didn’t know who Maria was but was familiar with the painting Ruby’s father had purchased since it was “one of a kind.” Ruby’s friend was concerned someone had stolen it.
Discovering Stepsister’s Intentions
When Ruby found out about this news, she felt betrayed. She thought Maria would keep the painting since she claimed it had sentimental value, but that wasn’t the case.
Sibling Confrontation
Ruby called Maria to confront her about the situation, and Maria confirmed that she planned to sell the painting. Ruby told Maria she didn’t feel good about giving her the painting if she would sell it.
Mind Your Own Business
Maria responded that it was none of Ruby’s business what she did with her father’s painting. Maria believed the money would help her more than the painting would ever help Ruby.
Selling Something Valuable
“…She wanted to sell something that was super valuable in your family and try to hide it?! Absolutely not. Definitely stick with not giving her the painting.”
It’s All About the Money
“…She lied to you and just wants money. If your father wanted her to inherit anything, he would have structured his estate accordingly.”
No Need to Lie
“…If she needs money she should have just asked for it. Not a run [sic] a con on her own family. If someone betrayed my trust like that I wouldn’t give them anything.”
Reconsidering the Gift
Not only was Ruby lied to, but now she’s expected to part ways with her father’s painting. Should she give the painting to Maria or call things off?
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