Claire stood. “I said I was sorry.”
“No,” Robert said. “You didn’t.”
She stared at him. “What difference does it make?”
His voice stayed level, which made it worse than shouting. “An apology names what was done. It doesn’t skip straight to forgiveness because consequences are inconvenient.”
Claire’s lips trembled. Then she looked at Sophie.
“I’m sorry,” she said unsteadily. “I lied about your mom. I lied about your dad. I said something mean because I was angry, and you didn’t deserve it.”
Sophie pressed against me and said nothing.
Walter stood slowly. “Amanda,” he said, “freeze all trust distributions to Claire effective tonight. Change the locks on the lake house tomorrow. And contact the bank Monday morning.”
Claire stared at him. “Dad—”
“I have excused you for years,” Walter said.
Diane stood as well. “Walter, don’t punish her like this in front of everyone.”
He looked at his wife with quiet disappointment. “You helped her.”
Diane’s shoulders collapsed. “I thought if Robert and Elena were embarrassed enough, you’d delay the trustee meeting.”
“That’s all,” Walter repeated, as if he could barely understand the words.
Amanda closed her folder. “I recommend no further discussion tonight beyond immediate arrangements. Emotions are high, and several matters now have legal implications.”
Robert nodded. “Claire leaves tonight. Diane can decide whether she leaves with her or stays and cooperates.”
The choice hung in the air.
Claire looked around, searching for someone to support her, someone to rescue her from what she had set in motion. There was no one. Finally, she grabbed her purse.
