While waiting, Talia slowly began to speak. Her voice trembled occasionally but grew steadier as she forced herself to recount the past.

“When I turned fifteen,” she said, “Aunt Corinne told me you had signed the house to me only because you felt guilty. She said it would be irresponsible for someone my age to manage it. She said she would take care of everything.”

Corinne snapped, “That is not what I said. You are twisting things.”

I ignored her. “Did you ever see the account where your allowance was deposited.” I asked Talia.