“We’re offering a partnership,” she said smoothly. “We move in, share the costs, protect the property, and everyone comes out ahead. Or we take a formal route.

That would be expensive. Exhausting. At your age, is that really how you want to spend your good years?”

Trent stayed in the background, silent again.

For an instant, old anger burned through me. Then I remembered Eleanor’s final envelope. “Hold on,” I said. “I need to fetch something.”

I walked back to the study, opened the envelope at the rolltop desk, and read it with steady hands.

Walter, If they bring papers, show them mine. If they question your ability, show them the doctor’s letter. If they act like they came in good faith, let them hear who they are when they think nobody important is listening.