Three days later, I accidentally left the voice recorder running on my phone. When I played it back later that evening, I heard Daniel and Norma talking downstairs.
Their conversation lasted twenty-three minutes, but one part changed everything. Daniel said, “If she adds me to the deed, we can refinance.” Norma laughed and replied, “Once the property is marital, everything becomes easier.”
Then Daniel said the words that broke whatever trust I had left. “She trusts me.” Norma answered without hesitation: “Then use that.”
The next morning, I sat across from a family lawyer and listened carefully as he explained my rights. By the time I returned home, I already knew what I needed to do-
