PART 4
My father closed his eyes.
Callahan kept reading.
“He has tried to take from you what your grandfather and I protected for you.”
My aunt began to cry.
Eric looked at my father differently now.
Not with admiration.
With disgust.
The letter continued.
“I stayed too long in a house where money was used as a leash and love was used as a weapon. I could not always protect myself, but I promised I would protect you.”
My father suddenly stood.
“That’s enough.”
Callahan did not stop.
“Richard believes the mansion belongs to him because he ruled it. But ownership and control are not the same thing.”
My father’s face went pale.
Then Callahan read the line that ended everything.
“If Richard ever raises his hand to you again, the trust’s conduct clause activates immediately. His occupancy rights terminate. He must vacate the property within thirty days.”
The room exploded.
Eric stood.
“Dad, you told me the mansion was yours.”
“It is mine!” my father shouted.
“No,” Callahan said. “It is not.”
My father turned on me.
“You did this.”
May you like
I stood slowly.
“No,” I said. “Mom did.”
