My son and daughter-in-law laughed when I walked into the courtroom. “Ha-ha, now we’re going to leave her with nothing,” Daniel whispered, certain the bruises they had put on my body would convince the judge I was confused, unstable, and hurting myself, but they had forgotten one important thing about me.

I answered him.

“I never agreed to sell my home.”

Daniel’s voice rose.

“You can’t live there forever!”

And there it was.

Not concern.

Not confusion.

Ownership.

He had already decided my house was his future property.

I looked at Judge Mercer.

“My home is currently valued at approximately 1.8 million dollars.”

Even Curtis turned toward Daniel at that number.

“The savings and brokerage accounts they sought access to total approximately 2.4 million.”

Vanessa’s lips parted.

That surprised her too.

Daniel had apparently lied to everyone.

Different lies.

Different numbers.

Different promises.

I almost felt sorry for Curtis.

Almost.

 

 

Judge Mercer asked, “Why did you not report this earlier?”

“Because I wanted to know how far it went.”

Daniel laughed bitterly.

“Of course. She set a trap.”

“Yes.”

I faced him.

“I did.”

After the forged power of attorney appeared, I stopped confronting them.

I pretended