That part stung. But as I read on, I realized he had come to understand that the family wasn’t just about blood ties but about respect and acknowledgment. And in his flawed way, he had tried to make amends.

The notary’s announcement was met with stunned silence. “According to the deed, the house is solely owned by Sheila,” he said, his voice echoing through their disbelief. “Mr. Collins transferred ownership shortly before his passing.”

Mom’s face turned a shade of red I’d only seen once before, when she stormed out of our lives all those years ago. Emma, on the other hand, looked confused, like a child who had just been told Santa wasn’t real. They had both assumed control, thinking that by sheer force of will, they could claim what was never rightfully theirs.