“Mom,
I have the rest of the letters. If you ever try to pressure me or go after what Grandma left, the truth will be known. All of it.
— Emerald.”

The color drained from her face. “Emerald, honey, I—”

I stood before she could finish. My voice was steady now. “I love you, Mom. But love doesn’t mean I’ll let you use me. You’ve lost my trust.”

I walked away, leaving her alone at the table, surrounded by her own silence and the shadow of Grandma’s truth.