“Your father was a smart man, Dawn,” he said. “He knew Charlotte would most likely throw you out the moment she got control of the house.”
“He knew?” I gulped.
“That’s why he made me draw this up,” he said.
Matthew opened the folder.
“Seven years ago, your father inherited a very large sum of money. It was almost two million dollars. It was from a distant relative who didn’t have any children, but your father took care of her when she needed help.”
“What?” I gasped.
“Yeah, he didn’t end up telling either of you. But I’m sure he had his reasons. Now, here’s the catch, Dawn. Your father split the money between you and Charlotte.”
“She gets a share too?” I said slowly, my heart sinking.
“Yes, Dawn. But there’s a condition. Charlotte has to share the house with you equally.”
I sat up straighter. Suddenly, there seemed like a way out of this mess.
“If your sister refuses, she gets absolutely nothing.”
“There’s more,” he continued. “Your father left you this.”
He slid a letter across the table to me.
It was my dad’s writing.
Dawn, my darling,
I know Charlotte, sweetheart. I know what she’ll do. But you are smarter than her. You always have been. The money is in a safety deposit box. Use it wisely, my girl.
I love you more than anything.
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