With each record, Eleanor’s attorney became more still.
When I reached the claimed educational expenses, my mother interrupted.
“We supported her for years.
She has no idea what sacrifice looks like.”
I turned toward her.
“You reported $63,000 in tuition payments for me during the period Vanguard paid my full tuition and housing.
Where did that money go?”
She opened her mouth but did not answer.
Julian did.
“Family expenses are complicated.
You can’t reduce everything to a spreadsheet.”
“The $63,000 went to a brokerage account in your name,” I said.
His attorney closed his eyes briefly.
Judge Vance ordered a recess so both sides could review the bank exhibits.
My mother followed me into the corridor before the bailiff could separate us.
“You think this makes you powerful?” she whispered.
“A certificate and a few bank statements? I raised you.
Every opportunity you had came through me.”
I looked at the pearls around her neck.
“Then why did you hide the opportunity I earned?”
Her face hardened.
“Because you would have failed.
I protected you from humiliating yourself.”
“You told everyone I had already failed.”
For the first time, her anger cracked enough to show fear.
“Withdraw your objection,” she said.
“Let me remain trustee, and I will make sure you receive a fair allowance.”
The trust belonged to its beneficiaries, yet she still spoke as though every dollar were hers to grant.
“No,” I said.
Julian stepped closer.
“You don’t know what we can prove about you.”
“Then prove it under oath.”
The bailiff called us back inside.
Their next piece of evidence was a psychological evaluation signed by Dr.
Mark Tilden.
It described me as anxious, dependent, incapable of understanding complex financial matters, and vulnerable to manipulation.
Their attorney offered it as proof that my mother should retain control.
I asked whether Dr.
Tilden was available for cross-examination.
He was sitting outside the courtroom.
When he took the stand, he looked more frightened than I felt.
Under questioning from Malcolm Pryce, he said he had reviewed background information supplied by my family and concluded that I showed signs of severe impairment.
Then it was my turn.
“Dr.
Tilden, when did you examine me?”
He adjusted his glasses.
“The evaluation was based partly on collateral reports.”
“What date did you meet me?”
“I did not conduct an in-person meeting.”
“Did we speak by video?”
“No.”
“Telephone?”
“No.”
“Email?”
His voice lowered.
