Evidence mattered more than knowing every detail immediately.

Three weeks after the driveway, Celeste called.

“What have you done?”

I watched the recording indicator on my voicemail screen.

“The bank says there’s a problem with the property.”

I let her keep talking.

“You selfish little bitch. Your father promised us this house.”

After she hung up, I sent the recording to Marianne.

Then I opened the possession complaint she had prepared and signed my name.

My signature looked steadier than I had felt that morning.

Part 3

Celeste arrived at the courthouse in cream silk, with Grant carrying a leather briefcase and Blake holding his phone.

She smiled when she saw me.

“There’s still time to stop embarrassing yourself.”

Marianne touched my elbow.

We kept walking.

Inside, their attorney produced a document supposedly granting Celeste lifetime occupancy.

Marianne asked for the original.

There wasn’t one.

The attorney offered a scanned copy bearing my signature.