Patricia showed us several suspicious emails sent to the estate agent before the sale was completed. Someone had been requesting information about the property’s locks, security system, and moving arrangements. I recognized Megan’s email address immediately. “You contacted the buyer?” I asked. Megan looked away, refusing to answer. Brian interrupted, claiming Mom had promised him somewhere to live. Then Daniel noticed another document inside Brian’s suitcase. It was an agreement supposedly signed by me, giving Brian permission to occupy the property. I stared at the signature. It looked almost identical to mine, but I had never signed it.

“Who prepared this?” I demanded. Nobody answered. Patricia photographed the document and explained that she would provide everything to her solicitor. Megan suddenly began crying, claiming the entire situation had been misunderstood. But her excuses became meaningless when Daniel showed us messages discussing the plan to enter the house. Mom had known about everything. She had even encouraged Brian to bring his belongings. I turned toward her, waiting for an explanation. Instead, she whispered, “We only wanted to help your brother.” That was when I realized how deeply they’d betrayed me.