Julia’s eyes darted between me and David. “But the lawyer said—”
“The lawyer you consulted was not aware of the trust or its terms,” David interjected smoothly. “This was a deliberate oversight on your part, and it could have serious legal repercussions.”
Dad, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke. “We were just trying to help Julia. She needed this more than Clare did.”
I shook my head, feeling a strange mix of sadness and vindication. “Is that what you tell yourselves to justify this? It’s always been about Julia, hasn’t it?”
Julia’s facade crumbled, revealing a glimpse of the desperation beneath. “I just… I wanted something to call my own.”
“And you thought you could take what was mine to do it? After all the love and care I gave to Grandma and Grandpa?” I sighed, the weight of years of familial neglect washing over me. “I’m done being the scapegoat in this family.”
David cleared his throat, reasserting control over the situation. “I’d advise you all to leave before we decide to press charges for attempted fraud.”
The movers, sensing the shift, began retreating to their truck. Julia, Mom, and Dad stood there for a moment, processing their defeat. Finally, they turned and left without another word.
As they drove away, I felt a strange sense of relief. It was the end of a chapter filled with resentment and manipulation. The house, with its creaking floors and stained-glass windows, was my sanctuary. And for the first time, I felt truly free to make it a home, free from the shadows of envy and betrayal.
Inside, I smiled softly at David. “Thank you for everything.”
He nodded, returning the smile. “You did well, Clare. Remember, you have the right to protect what’s yours.”
As I watched him leave, I realized that my grandparents’ legacy wasn’t just a beautiful house or a sizable estate—it was the lesson that real family love is unconditional and that I’m strong enough to stand up for myself and what truly matters.