PART 21

In late August, the lawyers brought us a proposed settlement framework.

It required Evelyn to disclaim any claim of ownership or management authority over the house, withdraw the proposed arrangements, return any remaining documents and access devices, and refrain from interference with our household and accounts.

Financial issues arising from documented spending and legal costs would be handled through an agreed process, with disputed matters reserved if they could not be resolved.

No settlement could force my mother to feel remorse.