That included the rent we had paid elsewhere and compensation for the emotional distress we had endured. Her entire scheme had unraveled.
The district attorney opened a criminal case, Karen’s lawyer lost his license, and Karen faced charges for fraud and perjury.
When we walked out of the courthouse, Mom squeezed my hand so tightly, I thought she might never let go.
“Grandma knew,” I said quietly. “She knew exactly what Karen would do.”
Mom nodded, eyes full of tears.
“She trusted you. And she was right to.”
A few weeks later, we returned to the house.
It felt strange at first, stepping back through the door like time had reversed. The place still smelled faintly of lavender and old wood.
The tenants, Mia and Rachel, had already packed up, but they met us one last time to say goodbye.
“You saved that house,” Rachel said to me, her voice soft. “Your grandma would be proud.”
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