see what I’d do?”

Richard didn’t flinch.

“He didn’t know your father would throw you out.”

“But he knew I was struggling.”

“Yes.”

“Then why didn’t he help me?”

“Because the will was designed to protect you.”

“From what?”

Richard looked directly into my eyes.

“Your family.”

The words tightened something in my chest.

“What are you talking about?”

Richard placed one final document in front of me.

This one wasn’t from the estate.

It was a bank statement.

My bank statement.

My old savings account.

The account that had contained the three thousand dollars my father took.

I stared at the numbers.

Then something caught my attention.

There were transactions I didn’t recognize.

“What’s this?”

Richard pointed toward the withdrawals.

“Your father didn’t spend your money on your brother’s applications.”

My jaw tightened.

“Then what did he spend it on?”

Richard turned the page.

“Legal fees.”

I looked at

him.

“Legal fees for what?”

“His attempt to gain control of your grandfather’s company.”

I felt something inside me crack.

He had taken every dollar I owned.

Not for my brother.

Not for rent.

Not for food.

For himself.

Richard continued.

“And that’s why your grandfather included another clause.”

I looked at him.

“What clause?”

Richard slid one final sheet toward me.

“This one.”

I read it.

Then read it again.

My father’s name appeared halfway down the page.

Beneath it was a sentence that made my blood run cold.

If Daniel Brooks has knowingly concealed this inheritance from Nathan Brooks, interfered with correspondence, or misappropriated Nathan’s personal funds, he shall receive nothing from the Brooks estate and shall be subject to legal action.

I slowly looked up.

“So my father loses everything?”

“If the evidence holds, yes.”

I couldn’t speak.

Richard leaned closer.

“And there is more.”

I almost