Chapter 16 - The Price of Saying No
West's demand came in a thick envelope. It described a "binding family understanding" and claimed we owed his company $310,000 for canceling the sale.
Becca read it and said, "A contract built on signatures we didn't give is not a family understanding."
Priya warned me not to respond emotionally. She prepared a formal dispute and gathered the trust records, the forged consent, and the communications West had sent after Becca rejected the proposal.
"This may take time," she said. "But the property hasn't left the trust."
Time was harder to explain to Wren. She wanted the same questions answered every night.
"Will Celia come back?"
"Not while the court's protective conditions are in place. We'll keep you informed in ways you can understand."
"Will Grandma be mad forever?"
"I don't know how Grandma will feel. Her feelings aren't your job."
"Will Rose get fired?"
"No."
The last answer was the one I could give without hesitation.
At the preliminary hearing, Celia sat with her attorney, her face pale and expressionless. I listened as the prosecutor described the video, the medical documentation, and the statements gathered by investigators. Celia's attorney contested the allegations. The judge imposed restrictions pending further proceedings.
I hadn't wanted revenge. I wanted my daughter safe. Still, when Celia looked toward me as if expecting me to rescue her, I felt an old habit rise: smooth it over, explain everyone, make the family whole.
I kept my seat.
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Outside, Priya answered a call and turned away. When she returned, her expression had changed.
"The bank has flagged a loan application using Willow Point as collateral," she said. "And the applicant was Elaine."
