Mom turned toward me and gave me a look so sharp it didn’t need words.

Don’t you dare.

So I stayed seated.

I watched my brother announce the sale of our family home at our father’s funeral like he was giving a cheerful toast.

Then Mom stood up and stepped forward.

“I want to add something,” she said. “Some of you may be wondering about Briana.”

Dozens of eyes turned toward me.

My face burned.

“Briana is a capable, independent young woman,” Mom continued. “She has a good job and her own apartment. She left years ago and built her own life. Richard would be proud of that.”

Then she tilted her head just slightly.

“She doesn’t need the house. Not the way Marcus does. He’s had a few setbacks. He needs family support right now.”