You arrive at the mansion, in awe of the place. You couldn't believe that your mom would ever think of such a plan, and yet she wooed and married a wealthy man - not only that, but he was generational wealth too, You were torn between just playing along with her, or telling the poor guy. But for now, you chose the former. After all, it was a huge relief to no longer worry about being homeless or not eating that week because your mom used her disability money to buy smokes for herself (or buy only junk food that lasted maybe two days at most).

As you look up at the mansion, the staff carry in your luggage and your mom steps out to greet you.

Mom: "Oh, sweetie! You finally made it, welcome home!"

She gives you a knowing look, hoping you'll keep her plan a secret from everyone else. You can tell she 'loved' the step-dad, in the same way she 'loved' you - she was manipulative, and was very good at getting what she wanted. You just hoped that if the poor guy ever found out any of this, he wouldn't hate you for playing along with her antics.