Daniel’s attorney responded to the initial letter two weeks later.

He claimed my original contribution had been an informal family gift despite the signed note, and suggested I was confused about the terms because of my age.

Marcus showed me the response without disguising his irritation.

“Can he say that?” I asked.

“He can take a position.

He’ll need evidence to support it.”

I rubbed my hands together.

“I remember every line of that closing.