“Derek needs cash right away for his business school venture,” my father said, tapping the top page with his index finger.

“Your brother has real expenses in business school, while the military pays for everything you need.”

I took the blue folder, turned to the second page of the transfer agreement, and read the fine print under the notary stamp.

The contract didn’t set up a family loan or a shared business investment.

It transferred full ownership of the trust principal straight into Derek’s personal bank account, named him the sole beneficiary, and released my parents from any obligation to pay the money back.

“Did you actually read these terms before you brought them out here?” I asked him.