Chapter 6 - THE PHOTOGRAPH ON THE TABLE
The house in the photograph was beautiful.
It had a spacious kitchen, a home office, four bedrooms, and a backyard large enough for a swimming pool.
The asking price was far beyond what Daniel and Ashley could comfortably afford.
George explained that the seller was willing to negotiate, provided the buyers could demonstrate that their financing was secure.
“It's a rare opportunity,” he said.
I turned the photograph over.
“Why are we discussing this?”
Ashley leaned forward.
“Because the sale of your house could make it possible.”
“And where would I live?”
She slid a condominium brochure toward me.
“This building is close to us. It has an elevator, security, and a maintenance team. You wouldn't have to worry about the garden anymore.”
“I enjoy my garden.”
“You could visit the children every day.”
“I already see them regularly.”
George intervened with a patient smile.
“Margaret, nobody wants to deprive you of comfort. This is about using the family's resources wisely.”
I looked directly at him.
“Whose resources?”
He paused.
“Your house has substantial equity. If you sold it, you could buy a smaller place and use part of the remaining money to help Daniel.”
“How much?”
Ashley glanced at her father.
“We haven't settled on an exact figure.”
“Have you made an offer on the house?”
Daniel rubbed his hands together.
“Yes.”
My heart sank.
“You made an offer before asking me?”
“We thought you'd understand once you saw it.”
I looked around the table.
Four adults had discussed my property, selected my replacement home, and planned a major purchase without securing my consent.
“You have made a financial commitment based on money that doesn't belong to you,” I said.
Ashley stiffened.
“We thought you would eventually agree.”
“Then you should have waited for me to agree.”
Nobody spoke.
For the first time that morning, Ashley's confidence began to crack.
I pushed the photograph away.
“Tell me the truth. What happens if I refuse?”
Daniel looked at his wife.
May you like
She looked at her father.
And I realized that the house was only the beginning of the problem.
