And the loan was secured against all three family properties.

My parents had dismissed it as “temporary paperwork.”

I had considered it protection.

So I signed the transfer documents without arguing.

Mom visibly relaxed.

Daniel looked like he had won.

“That’s better,” Dad said. “Family shouldn’t fight over money.”

I collected my copies and stood.

Daniel lifted his glass.

“No hard feelings, sis?”

“None,” I replied.

That night, I sold my car, shut down my small consulting business, packed everything I wanted into eight boxes, and accepted a financial compliance position in Toronto.

While closing my suitcase, I remembered years of birthdays when Daniel received money for investments while I received advice about finding a husband.