Part 3:
Ryan screamed that I had no right to be there.
In my own house.
With my own children.
Beside the fireplace where Grandma used to read to me when I was little.
The sheriff did not look impressed.
Angela set the airport police report on the coffee table. Then the security stills. Then the screenshots from Mom’s phone. Then the emergency injunction with Ryan’s name printed in bold.
Ryan’s expression shifted with every page.
Mom arrived ten minutes later, breathless and furious.
“You’re really going to punish your brother over a misunderstanding?”
My daughter stood behind me, holding my hand.
I looked at Mom. “He stranded your grandchildren in another country.”
Her mouth opened.
Nothing came out.
Because for once, there were witnesses she could not manipulate.
The estate executor read Grandma’s sealed letter aloud. Her voice filled the room, steady even from paper.
If Ryan tries to take this house from Clara, he gets nothing. If my daughter helps him, she gets nothing. Clara was the only one who visited me without asking what things were worth.
Mom sat down like her knees had disappeared.
Ryan whispered, “No.”
Angela smiled slightly. “Yes.”
