
Richard’s face paled, his grip faltering around the stem of his glass. “What are you talking about?” he blustered, trying to sound authoritative, but his voice cracked. Martha remained silent, her eyes widening as the realization of my accusation set in.
“Grandpa Henry’s house,” I clarified, my voice unwavering despite the storm of emotions within me. “You sold it without his consent, transferred the funds to your accounts, and left him to freeze to death in that shed. That’s elder abuse, theft, and fraud—serious charges.”
Richard’s bravado crumbled. “Evie, you don’t understand,” he pleaded, setting down his drink, hands up in a placating gesture. “We were going to—”
