I did not tell the boys it settled anything.

I asked Lauren whether she wanted to see it.

She said yes, then left it on the table overnight before reading it.

When the boys finally agreed to one short visit, I set expectations in writing for Constance: no surprise gifts, no photographs, no discussion of inheritance or family business, and no demand that they call her Grandma.

Lauren would be there.

The boys could leave at any moment.