Chapter 15 - The Numbers
The attorney explained the financial records.
Money had been moved.
Accounts had been altered.
Authority had been redirected.
Some relatives had benefited.
Others had simply remained silent.
Doreen tried to dismiss everything.
Then the attorney produced signed statements.
The room became colder.
One relative admitted receiving money.
Another admitted knowing about the transfers.
The favored cousin said nothing.
Taryn looked at her.
“You knew.”
The cousin finally lowered her eyes.
“I didn't understand.”
“You understood enough to accept the gifts.”
The cousin began crying.
Taryn didn't celebrate.
She didn't feel victorious.
She felt exhausted.
For years, she had believed family loyalty meant enduring pain.
Now she understood the difference between loyalty and surrender.
Doreen slammed her hand against the table.
“This is ridiculous.”
Taryn stood.
“No, Mother.”
May you like
She gathered the documents.
“This is over.”
