Chapter 4: The First Notice
Garrick called forty-seven times the next morning.
I answered none of them.
At 11:20 a.m., Elena’s office served the first formal notice: a letter informing Garrick and Miriam that all monthly transfers originating from my accounts would cease immediately. A second letter followed at 2:15 p.m., this one regarding the property. It stated, in clear legal language, that the mansion was held in trust solely for my benefit and that they were residing there at my discretion—discretion that had now been revoked.
I learned of their reaction from a single text sent by Garrick’s younger sister, the only relative who had ever looked at me with something close to sympathy.
They’re losing their minds. Miriam is screaming that it’s a mistake. Garrick keeps saying you wouldn’t dare.
I deleted the message.
That evening I received an email from Garrick’s personal account. The tone had shifted from fury to something more careful.
Elena, we need to talk. Whatever you think is happening, we can resolve it privately. Mother is very upset. Come home and we’ll discuss everything like adults.
Home.
I almost smiled.
May you like
I forwarded the email to Elena without reply and made myself a simple dinner in the quiet apartment. For the first time in three years, no one monitored what I ate, how long I took, or whether my silence indicated insufficient gratitude.
The freedom tasted better than anything that had ever been served at Miriam’s table.
