Chapter 6
Rebecca called me into her office two days later.
Angela came with me.
I carried Samuel's letter in my handbag.
For some reason, holding it made me feel less alone.
Rebecca greeted us with a serious expression.
"Mrs. Carter, we've made progress."
I sat down.
"What happened?"
"The proposed deed transfer was never completed."
I exhaled.
"Thank God."
She nodded.
"The title remains in your name. We also found evidence that the document wasn't properly authorized."
My eyes filled.
"So they can't just take the house?"
"Not through that uncompleted transfer. We'll continue addressing the disputed loan separately."
Angela squeezed my hand.
I smiled weakly.
Then Rebecca opened another folder.
"There's something else."
My stomach tightened.
"What?"
"Samuel's estate records include a memorandum regarding the house."
I leaned forward.
"A memorandum?"
She nodded.
"It was prepared when he updated his estate plan."
I stared at her.
"What does it say?"
Rebecca placed the document on the table.
It described Samuel's wishes for the property.
He wanted me to retain complete control during my lifetime.
He also wanted me to make an informed decision about who should receive it after my death.
Then I saw a handwritten note.
It was addressed to both our children.
Angela and Marcus.
My throat tightened.
Rebecca asked whether I wanted to read it aloud.
I nodded.
My hands trembled as I unfolded the page.
My children,
Your mother and I built this house with love, patience, and sacrifice.
I want both of you to remember that it was never simply an investment.
It was where you learned to walk.
Where you argued over toys.
Where your mother stayed awake when you were sick.
And where we prayed for your futures.
After I'm gone, your mother must remain free to decide what happens to it.
Do not pressure her.
Do not make her feel guilty.
And never treat her as a burden.
If one of you helps her, do it because you love her, not because you expect a reward.
If one of you hurts her, understand that she has every right to protect herself.
I love you both.
Dad.
I stopped reading.
Tears blurred the page.
Angela covered her mouth.
For a long moment, neither of us spoke.
Then she whispered, "He knew us so well."
I nodded.
Samuel had always understood Marcus's desire to succeed.
He encouraged him.
But he also warned him that ambition without integrity could destroy a person.
Our son had listened to the ambition.
Not the warning.
Rebecca leaned forward.
"Mrs. Carter, I'd like to discuss updating your estate plan."
I swallowed.
"Yes."
She explained that I could make decisions reflecting my current wishes.
I could provide for both children.
Create conditions or trusts where appropriate.
Or make different arrangements.
I stared at the documents.
For years, I had assumed I'd divide everything equally.
But now I wasn't sure.
Not because I wanted to punish Marcus.
Because I no longer trusted him to manage what Samuel and I had built.
I looked at Angela.
She immediately shook her head.
"Mama, don't look at me."
I frowned.
"What?"
She smiled sadly.
"This is your decision."
I swallowed.
"But you deserve something."
She reached for my hand.
"I already have something."
My eyes filled.
"What?"
"You."
I started crying.
Angela continued.
"I don't need your house to prove you love me."
For a moment, I couldn't speak.
Then I hugged her.
Rebecca gave us time.
When I sat down again, I knew what I wanted.
I wanted the house protected.
I wanted my future care secured.
And I wanted my children to understand that inheritance wasn't a reward for being someone's favorite.
It was a responsibility.
Rebecca began preparing an updated plan.
But before we finished, my phone rang.
Marcus.
I stared at the screen.
Angela looked at me.
"Do you want to answer?"
I hesitated.
Then nodded.
I put the call on speaker.
"Hello?"
"Mom."
His voice sounded tense.
"We need to talk."
I took a breath.
"About what?"
"The bank."
My stomach tightened.
He continued.
"They contacted Nicole."
I waited.
"Now they're freezing accounts."
Rebecca motioned for me to remain calm.
Marcus sounded angry.
"Mom, what did you do?"
I closed my eyes.
"I reported a loan I never authorized."
He exhaled sharply.
"You're making this into something criminal."
I looked at the papers.
"Marcus, did you sign my name?"
Silence.
Then he whispered, "I thought I could pay it back."
My heart broke.
I stared at the table.
"That wasn't my question."
He sighed.
"Mom, please."
I swallowed.
"Did you sign my name?"
Another silence.
Then he said, "Yes."
Angela covered her mouth.
Rebecca wrote something down.
I closed my eyes.
My own son had admitted it.
The boy I carried.
The child I comforted after nightmares.
The young man Samuel taught to ride a bicycle.
I felt tears slip down my cheeks.
"Why?"
His voice cracked.
"Nicole's business was failing."
I stared ahead.
"So you used my house?"
"I was desperate."
"You could have come to me."
"You would've said no."
I closed my eyes.
"Then you knew it was wrong."
He started crying.
For a moment, I almost reached for the phone as if I could hug him through it.
Then I remembered my suitcase hitting the porch.
I remembered his cold eyes.
His refusal to let me inside.
And I understood that rescuing him again would only teach him that my love had no boundaries.
I took a breath.
"Marcus, I love you."
He sniffled.
"Mom, please help me."
My voice trembled.
"I will support you in taking responsibility."
He went silent.
"But I won't lie for you."
His breathing changed.
"Mom—"
"And I won't risk my home to protect you from what you chose."
He began crying harder.
I ended the call gently.
Then I covered my face.
Angela wrapped her arms around me.
For several minutes, I sobbed.
Not because I'd lost my son forever.
But because I finally understood that loving him might mean letting him face the consequences I'd spent his whole life trying to soften.
Then Rebecca spoke quietly.
"Mrs. Carter, the bank will need to hear directly from you about this."
I wiped my face.
I looked at Samuel's letter.
May you like
Then at Angela.
And for the first time in my life, I didn't feel guilty for choosing to protect myself.
