Paul continued reading. Article Four named me as the designated trustee and beneficiary responsible for protecting the farm and everything held within the trust. Diane had been provided for elsewhere in our parents’ estate plan, but she had never been given authority to sell the property, transfer the mineral rights, or dispose of trust equipment. Then Paul reached Article Nine. It specifically addressed any heir who attempted to sell trust property without authorization. Diane’s face turned pale. She slowly pulled the agreement she had signed with the prospective buyers from her folder and pushed it toward her attorney.

Her attorney read it carefully, then leaned toward Diane and whispered something that made her grip the table. By signing the agreement, Diane had represented herself as someone legally authorized to sell property she did not own. Paul explained that this could expose her to claims from the buyers, depending on what promises she had made and what actions had already been taken. “Mrs. Pruitt,” he said firmly, “I strongly suggest you remain seated and listen before doing anything else.” Craig sank back into his chair. Diane, however, stared directly at me. Her shock quickly transformed into anger. “You knew about this,” she accused. Everyone turned toward me, waiting for my response.