“Property taxes, unexpected structural repairs, legal protection, and one other specific purpose,” she detailed.

She slid a formal legal document across the polished table toward me.

I read the bold heading twice to make sure I understood it correctly: THORNTON FAMILY RESERVE TRUST.

Beneficiary: Claire Thornton.

The total dollar amount listed on the line beneath it made me blink in disbelief.

It was not an immense fortune, but it was a very substantial sum of money.

It was more than enough to cover expensive legal fees and pay for several months of independent living expenses without stress.