My father turned just enough for me to see the cool boredom in his eyes. “That was before the will was finalized. Apparently, she changed her mind.”
“No. She wouldn’t do that. Not without telling me.”
Karine rolled her eyes. “Here we go. Elise being dramatic.”
“I want to see the will,” I said. “The actual document.”
“Elise,” my mother hissed, smile never leaving her face. “Not here.”
“You’re a legal representative,” I said to the lawyer. “You know you’re obligated to provide a copy to any direct heir on request.”
A muscle in his jaw ticked. “I’m afraid that’s not possible today.”
My father and the lawyer exchanged a look—a quick, sharp flicker of understanding that sliced through me like a scalpel.
“I have every right,” I said, standing so suddenly the pew creaked. “And I will not be brushed aside like some distant cousin while you all rewrite history in front of a closed casket.”
My mother’s voice dropped to a harsh whisper. “You’re ruining this.”
