My stepmother called and told me, “You’re banned from the family beach house. I changed every lock.” She sounded almost delighted. I simply replied, “Thanks for the update.” What she didn’t know was that my mom had placed the house in a private trust under my name before she passed away.

there to talk about, Diana? You lost.”

She stepped forward, her eyes narrowing, as if she couldn’t believe I’d dare stand my ground. “I haven’t lost. Not yet. I still have options.”

“You’re running out of them,” I said, my voice calm but unyielding. “The trust is clear. The beach house is mine. The law is on my side, and there’s nothing you can do to continue reading …