The third document was a letter from my lawyer explaining that Patrick's financial access had been revoked and warning that any trespass on the property would be considered trespassing.
Patrick read the pages with a trembling hand.
"It's ridiculous," he said. "You can't do that."
"I've done it before," I replied calmly.
Harold finally spoke, staring at his son. "Patrick, you told us that the house belonged to both of you."
Deborah quickly grabbed the papers and looked at them before glaring at me. "Are you threatening my son to call the police?"
"I'm protecting myself," I replied. "Your son took money from my account and tried to kick me out of my house."
Melissa rolled her eyes and said, "We are a family. Why make a big deal out of it for money? »
I laughed once, because the absurdity of this statement was undeniable.
"A family does not secretly empty bank accounts and then arrive with their luggage hoping to be housed for free," I said.
Patrick tried to regain control by lowering his voice. "Natalie, we should discuss this privately, indoors."
"No," I replied immediately.
He walked over and said, "You made the deposit transfer from a joint account, which means the money belongs to both of us."
"It only proves that you don't understand anything about financial law," I replied.
I raised my phone and continued talking.
"I also contacted your workplace this morning to confirm something."
Patrick's eyes widened slightly.
"That premium you brag about paying for that house never existed," I said. "Your employer has confirmed that you have not received any bonuses for more than a year."
Deborah turned abruptly to him as Harold's face darkened.
I calmly continued, "After I found out about the transfers, I also checked your credit history using the authorization you signed when financing our previous car, and found out that you had used loans and lines of credit by secretly hedging them with my money."
Melissa stared at her brother and whispered, "Thirty-eight thousand dollars in two weeks?"
Patrick tried to defend himself, but his words collapsed under the weight of the evidence.
I stepped back and opened the door slightly more so they could see the empty interior again.
"I haven't left this house," I said softly. "I have withdrawn your plans."
