The next morning, I went to the downtown branch still wearing the same clothes from the day before, exhausted but determined.
The branch manager, Denise Harper, brought me into a private office and carefully reviewed every transaction while listening to my explanation.
When I explained the trust structure and the restrictions, her expression turned serious.
“This is not just a family dispute,” she said, “If those funds were restricted and taken without authorization, there can be serious legal consequences.”
“Can I get the money back?” I asked, my voice barely steady.
“Possibly,” she said, “We can attempt to reverse the wire transfer, and we are already requesting ATM footage.”
By noon, I had filed a police report, and by afternoon I contacted the attorney who handled my aunt’s estate, Martin Kessler.
Once I explained everything, his tone changed immediately.
“Do not speak to your family without legal counsel,” he said firmly, “They may have exposed themselves to significant liability.”
That evening, Tyler called me, his voice tense and irritated.
“You contacted the bank?” he demanded.
“You stole from me,” I replied calmly.
“It was family money,” he insisted.