“If you want dinner, lick it off the floor!” My son-in-law mocked me after knocking my plate down, while making a toast at dinner. I stood up, adjusted my coat, and said three words that left him completely terrified!

With lawyers.

Victor stormed inside dragging Claire behind him like an accessory he was no longer sure he owned. His mother followed close behind, wrapped in pearls and panic. Two police officers stood near the doorway.

My attorney sat calmly at the table with three neatly organized folders in front of him.

Victor stopped cold.

“What is this?”

“A family meeting,” I answered.

Claire looked exhausted, her eyes swollen red from crying.

“Mom,” she whispered, “what’s happening?”

I reached across the table and gently took her hand.

She flinched first.

Then held on tightly.

Victor pointed at me immediately.

“She’s manipulating you.”