She replied requesting the records and explaining that I would not discuss settlement terms until the accounts were reviewed.

My father responded with a message about loyalty.

Maren filed it with the rest.

That night I looked at Noah sleeping and thought about choices.

Money mattered; it could pay medical bills, protect us from emergencies, and create opportunities.

But what I wanted most was the ability to say yes or no without somebody deciding I had forfeited love by choosing for myself.

PART 8