had become exhausting.”
I understood. Repeated arguments, disappointment and accusations of selfishness had worn them down until surrender seemed easier than objecting. Dad placed his hand on Mom’s.
“We kept thinking Derek would come back to himself.”
“And did he?”
Neither replied. My phone buzzed with Inez’s name, and I stepped outside to answer.
“Tell me.”
She sounded focused.
“I found the property trust.”
“We just found the physical copies.”
“Good. Then your parents’ house is protected.” GetParenting Tips
Air finally escaped my lungs.
“What about the accounts?”
“That’s messier.”
“How messy?”
“The monthly transfers you’ve been making are landing in an account where your parents are still named, but Derek was added as an authorized agent under a financial power of attorney.”
“Can he withdraw?”
“Yes.”
“How much?”
“I’m still reconstructing it.”
I clenched my jaw.
“Freeze everything.”
“I already requested temporary restrictions on the account you fund. But
