Mom stared at the papers.
“I didn’t understand that.”
“You signed the acknowledgment.”
“I sign lots of things.”
Elise turned toward her.
“You said the paperwork was valid.”
Mom’s eyes sharpened.
“I said I would handle it.”
That small exchange told me more than either of them intended.
Elise had known the money belonged to me.
She had simply allowed Mom to create a story that made taking it feel safe.
Daniel continued.
“The trust administrator also recorded the verification call.”
The office seemed to contract around them.
Mom lowered herself into the chair.
“What call?” Elise asked.
Daniel opened his tablet and played an audio file.
My mother’s voice filled the room.
She identified herself as my authorized financial representative.
She claimed I had abandoned my education plans and wished to transfer the trust benefit to my sister as a wedding gift.
When the administrator asked whether I was present, she said I was traveling and unable to speak.
