“That’s impossible,” she finally sputtered. “My husband signed the deed over to me last month. We had it notarized. I’ve already started paperwork to—”
I reached into my bag and pulled out the manila envelope, the trust pages already familiar under my fingers. “Dad couldn’t sign over what wasn’t his to give,” I said, keeping my tone level. “Mom put this house in a trust before she died. I’m the sole beneficiary. The beach house has been owned by the trust this entire time.”
“Liar,” Lily muttered, but there was a tremor in it.
Officer Martinez turned the folder slightly, so Victoria could see the top page. “These documents are clear, Mrs. Harrison. This property was placed in an irrevocable trust by the late Mrs. Parker. Her daughter is the beneficiary and legal owner. Your husband’s signature on any later deed regarding this property has no legal effect.”
Victoria opened her mouth. Nothing came out.
“Mom, what is he talking about?” Lily demanded, stepping closer, phone now hanging forgotten at her side.
I watched Victoria’s face carefully. It was like seeing a mask crack. The confident, flawless veneer she always presented to the world splintered in tiny lines around her eyes and mouth.
“This… this is some trick,” she stammered. “Alexandra probably… she probably forged something. James would never—”
“Mrs. Harrison,” Officer Martinez interrupted, his voice remaining polite but firm. “The documentation comes directly from the office of Margaret Sullivan, who has served as the family’s attorney for many years. We verified it independently. Miss Parker has every right to be here. Any attempt to bar her from entering her own property could result in legal consequences.”
“Legal consequences?” Lily repeated, eyes darting between us.
Victoria rounded on me, fury reignited now that she had somewhere to direct it. “You manipulative little—”
She took a step toward me, her hand lifting as if to jab a finger in my face, but Officer Martinez smoothly stepped between us.
“I suggest you step back and contact your lawyer,” he said calmly. “Any physical threats will be taken seriously.”
For a moment, the only sound was the distant crash of waves and the soft hiss of the wind moving through the dune grass.
“JAMES!” Victoria suddenly screamed, throwing her head back toward the house. “Get out here now!”
The front door opened again, slower this time.
My father walked out onto the porch.