“This is a family matter.”
Nina set several envelopes on the table.
“I’m Nina Flores, counsel for Mara Ellison and Northstar Property Group.”
Dad’s expression told me he already knew her name.
Nina explained everything calmly.
My parents had twenty-seven days remaining in their occupancy agreement.
It would not be extended.
Dad’s firm still had time under its current commercial arrangement, but another Northstar entity now controlled the secured debt connected to the building. Any restructuring would have to go through attorneys with full financial disclosure.
Mom stared at me.
“You bought his office too?”
“I bought the note.”
Nina continued.
The forensic review of Grandma June’s trust showed unauthorized distributions, a false waiver, and other documents that would need to be addressed formally.
Dad asked what happened next.
Nina kept her answer narrow.
“The civil issues can be negotiated through counsel. Other reviews are outside Mara’s control.”
Mom finally looked afraid.
“Please.”
I had almost forgotten what that word sounded like in her voice.
“Mara, please don’t do this.”
“You already did.”
“We can repay the money.”
“Then repay it.”
“We don’t have all of it.”
“Then work through your attorney.”
She shook her head.
“You don’t understand what this will do to us.”
Two years earlier, I had stood in their foyer saying I had nowhere to sleep.
Mom had told me I would learn quickly.
I walked to my front door.
“You’ll figure it out.”
Tessa stood.
“Can I at least see Ivy again?”
“No.”
“Mara, I didn’t know everything.”
“You knew I was thrown out.”
She looked down.
“You knew I disappeared. You knew I had nowhere to stay. You signed papers you didn’t understand because Mom told you to. And when I came to you frightened, you told me I made everything harder.”
Tears filled her eyes.
“I’m sorry.”
“I believe you’re sorry now.”
She waited.
I said nothing else.
Mom looked toward Ivy.
“You’re really never going to let us know her?”
“No.”
“I’m her grandmother.”
I opened the door.
“You were my mother.”
Dad stopped at the threshold after the others passed him.