Then he looks at Jason.
“Turn around.”
Jason explodes.
“For what?”
“Domestic assault, attempted coercion, and trespassing pending review.”
“This is insane,” Jason shouts. “That money is marital property.”
Mr. Thompson’s voice is calm. “No, it is not.”
Jason swings toward him. “You stay out of this.”
“I’m afraid I can’t,” Mr. Thompson says. “Your late father-in-law made sure of that.”
Something moves through the room.
Your father.
Even dead, your father has entered the house.
Jason notices too.
For the first time, real fear crosses his face.
“What does that mean?” he asks.
Mr. Thompson looks at you, not Jason.
“Olivia, your father suspected Jason might come back if he learned about the estate. He left instructions.”
Your throat tightens.
“What instructions?”
Mr. Thompson’s eyes soften.
“He asked me to protect you before the will was formally distributed. That’s why your funds were placed in a protected trust this morning. Jason cannot access them. He cannot force a sale. He cannot sign on your behalf. He cannot claim control through marriage.”
Jason’s jaw goes slack.
