And Daniel had quietly used trust assets as security for personal debts without properly disclosing those transactions to the trustees.
One formal complaint could trigger an investigation and freeze his access.
I looked at Patricia.
“Don’t worry,” I said softly. “I’ll take care of the house.”
She had no idea how literally I meant it.
For the next twelve days, Patricia became nearly impossible to tolerate.
She rang a small silver bell whenever she wanted coffee.
She deliberately dropped napkins beside my chair.
She invited friends over and introduced me with a smile.
“This is Daniel’s wife. Very domestic.”
Daniel witnessed all of it.
Sometimes he looked uncomfortable.
He never stopped her.
One morning, Patricia dumped a basket of laundry onto the kitchen floor.
“You forgot Daniel’s gym shirts.”
“I was working.”
She laughed.
“Working? On your laptop?”
“Yes.”
Patricia turned toward Daniel.
“
