Ethan opened the leather folder slowly.
“Actually, it is my concern,” he said. “I have questions about this property.”
He pulled out a document.
“Grandma, did you know the deed is still in your name?”
I froze.
“I thought we transferred it years ago.”
“It was never finalized,” Ethan said. “Legally, you still own this house.”
Melissa went pale.
Brian stared at the paper. “That can’t be right.”
Ethan looked directly at him.
“Grandma has the right to decide where she lives. No one can force her to stay in that room.”
For the first time in years, I felt something I had almost forgotten—hope.
Brian stepped forward. “We’ll sort this out.”
Ethan didn’t move.
“It is simple. You respect her wishes.”
Then he turned to me.
“Gran, you deserve better. Whatever you decide, I’ll help you.”
I looked toward the main house.
“I want to move back inside.”
Brian opened his mouth, but Ethan’s steady gaze stopped him.
Melissa said nothing.
Ethan smiled.
“We’ll make it happen.”
For the first time in years, I realized I wasn’t alone anymore.