Mrs. Dawson whispered a quiet prayer while Charlotte let out a dry, humorless laugh, barely disguising it as a cough, and Brielle flipped through the documents with trembling hands.
“This cannot be right,” she said, shaking her head, “he told me those properties were ours, that we would live there once everything settled.”
“He told me similar things,” I replied without emotion, “while I was selling personal belongings to cover basic expenses, he was funding your lifestyle.”
“Stop talking,” she snapped, slamming her hand against the table, “you were always bitter and that is why he chose me.”
“He did not choose you,” I said quietly, “he chose the version of himself that you encouraged, the one who appeared successful and generous without ever being real.”
Attorney Hayes adjusted his glasses and spoke carefully, “If you accept this inheritance, you are also accepting all associated liabilities, and based on these records, the debts exceed the total value of the assets.”
Brielle stared at him, struggling to process what she was hearing.
“You mean if I sign this, I inherit everything including the debts,” she asked slowly.