His expression changed slightly.
Only for a moment.
But Elena noticed.
“What records?” Chloe asked.
“Medical appointments. Financial statements. Care schedules. Anything related to Dad’s well-being.”
Julian laughed softly.
“Elena, this isn’t a business investigation.”
“No,” she replied. “It’s our father.”
The words hung in the room.
Thomas looked at the floor.
Julian stood.
“I don’t appreciate being treated like a criminal after everything I’ve done.”
Elena watched him carefully.
“I’m not accusing you of anything.”
“Sure sounds like it.”
“I’m asking questions.”
“Because you came back after years and suddenly think you know everything.”
That sentence hurt more than Elena expected.
Because there was some truth hidden inside it.
She had left.
Not because she didn’t love her father.
But because after their mother died, being home became painful. Every room carried memories. Every conversation reminded her of what they had lost.
