Page 113 of Through the Storm

Declan and Grandma flank me as we walk through the lobby like a small, determined army. Neither of them leaves my side, and I’ve never been more grateful for the quiet solidarity.

The conference room upstairs is immaculate. It has a long glass table, leather chairs, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

My parents sit at one end with folders neatly arranged in front of them. Two lawyers sit beside them like accessories.

My mother smiles tightly when she sees me.

“Kather—”

Grandma ignores them and takes the seat at the head of the table.

Everyone goes still.

She opens her bag and sets her own folder down.

“I’ve reviewed the letter you sent to my granddaughter,” she says calmly. “And before we go any further, I’d like to clarify something.”

My father clears his throat. “Mother?—”

“You froze a trust I created,” Grandma continues, unbothered. “With money that belongs to me.” She tilts her head slightly. “You cited discretionary authority.” A small pause. “Which would be fine… if the assets were actually yours.”

Silence stretches across the table.

“The trusts were created by my husband and me,” she continues. “The assets are mine. You manage them.” Her voice stays calm. “You do not control them.”

My mother straightens.

“As her parents, we were acting in Katy’s best interest.”

Grandma finally turns to look at her. “No,” she says evenly. “You were acting in yours.” She slides a single page across the table. “I restored Katherine’s access this morning.”

My heart stutters.

Full access restored.

My father’s jaw tightens. “You can’t just?—”

“I can.” Grandma’s voice is calm but lethal. “Because, again, it’smine.” She folds her hands. “Managing my money does not make it yours.”

Declan squeezes my hand under the table.

“And since you chose to weaponize my assets against my granddaughter, I’ve decided we should address the larger issue.”

The lawyers exchange glances.

“The board has already been notified.”

Now both of my parents go still.

Her gaze settles on my father. “I spent years giving you the benefit of the doubt because you were family. That courtesy has expired.”

“Mother—”

“This isn’t a discussion,” she says calmly.

The room goes silent.

“Tomorrow morning the board will formally vote on leadership changes.”