He had been absent from many ordinary moments in the house, leaving his mother to make decisions because challenging her felt exhausting.

That habit had been convenient for him and costly for everyone else.

He asked Rosa to make a list of changes.

She brought three handwritten pages the following day: guaranteed days off, written complaint procedures, privacy for employees, clear job descriptions, and a fair process when property went missing.

Adam hired an independent adviser to review the arrangements.

He did not appoint Margaret to supervise the process.

When she demanded to know who had authorized the changes, he said he had.