“I stayed!” Margaret shouted.
The calm mask finally cracked.
“I gave up years of my life. I handled Mother’s appointments, bills, emergencies, and every crisis. While Frank disappeared, I remained.”
Evelyn rose slowly.
“And you used that devotion to control every part of my life.”
“Mother—”
“You screened my correspondence.”
“I was helping you.”
“You lied about my granddaughter.”
Margaret’s face went pale.
“You told me she died before she was born,” Evelyn continued. “You hid Rachel’s letters. You dismissed Barry and took away his home when he discovered the truth.”
“I was protecting you.”
“No,” Evelyn said. “You were protecting what you hoped to inherit.”
Margaret looked around the room, waiting for someone to defend her.
No one did.
Evelyn straightened her shoulders.
“As of today, Margaret is removed from all authority over my personal affairs and finances. Everything will be reviewed by an independent attorney and accountant.”
