Then I remembered his words.
You’re not going to live forever.
And I understood that loving someone did not mean allowing them to take everything from you.
“”Michael, you need to tell me the truth.””
He looked down.
“”Things got bad.””
“”How bad?””
“”The company is struggling. We have debts.””
“”How much?””
He hesitated.
Vanessa interrupted.
“”Enough that selling this property would solve everything.””
I turned toward her.
“”That’s not your decision.””
She laughed bitterly.
“”You have no idea how much we’ve sacrificed trying to help you.””
I stared at her.
“”Help me?””
“”You have this enormous house, all this land, and no one to share it with. Meanwhile, Michael is drowning financially.””
“”Then perhaps you should have asked me for help instead of forging my signature.””
Vanessa’s mouth opened, but nothing came out.
Michael finally spoke.
“”I thought you would eventually agree.””
“”After what? After the house was sold? After the money was transferred? After you told me it was too late to do anything?””
He looked away.
That was answer enough.
Robert placed the final document on top of the folder.
“”This is the formal notice revoking any claimed authority arising from the disputed paperwork. It also confirms that all further communication concerning this property must go through our office.””
Vanessa looked at the document.
Then she looked at me.
