Mara continued, “I heard Mr. Harlan threaten you, intimidate you, and attempt to coerce a financial transfer. The police have been notified. The hospital’s legal office has also received the protection notice we filed this morning.”
Mom gripped the counter.
Evan took one step back.
“Protection notice?”
I pushed myself up, trembling but smiling now.
“My money is in a medical trust. You can’t touch it.”
Mara’s voice sharpened.
“And any attempt to interfere with Claire’s treatment will trigger civil action against each of you personally.”
Dad tried to laugh, but it came out hollow.
“This is family business.”
“No,” Mara said. “This is recorded coercion, financial abuse of a vulnerable patient, and a documented threat against her medical care.”
Sirens wailed in the distance.
Evan turned pale first.
Then Mom.
Then Dad.
And for the first time in my life, I watched fear enter the room and choose them instead of me.
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