“He owns Pine Street outright,” I said.

“My grandfather left it to him free and clear of any liens.”

“Read the collateral line,” Arthur said, pointing one thin finger at the bottom margin.

My eyes tracked the dark cursive across the page.

Richard had linked the repayment of the second loan directly to the principal balance of Ethan’s trust fund.

If the mortgage payments ever went into default, the lender had legal authority to pull straight from Ethan’s account to cover the balance.

“Is that even legal without court approval?” I asked.