question surprised me.
—Does anyone else know that he has that ticket?
—No.
—Okay. Don’t tell anyone until
Let’s review the procedures for claiming the prize and protect your personal information.
He summoned me that same afternoon.
He checked the ticket, verified the winning numbers, and explained the available options for claiming the money, the tax implications, and the measures needed to protect my privacy.
When he finished, he looked at me seriously.
—Mrs. Helen, if the official verification confirms the result, your life could change completely. But you don’t have to make all the decisions today.
I nodded.
It was exactly what I needed to hear.
During the following weeks, I followed their instructions. The ticket was protected and the process began. I didn’t post anything on social media or call my family to announce that I had won.
Meanwhile, Michael continued calling.
At first, his messages were short.
