Under Texas law, he could not keep his house on my land without my consent.

And I was officially withdrawing my consent.

***

Two weeks later, the driveway was filled with luggage.

Richard stood by the large black SUV, checking his watch while Valerie adjusted her oversized sunglasses.

“Make sure the housekeeper gets the carpets cleaned by Tuesday, Alexandra,” Richard said, not looking at me.

“I’ll handle it,” I said, keeping my voice level.

Dylan stood near the rear bumper, his eyes glued to his phone, while Chloe fidgeted with her bracelet.

“Bye, Mom,” Chloe said, giving me a quick, tight hug. “We’ll call you when we land in Honolulu.”

“Have a safe flight, sweetie,” I said, kissing her forehead.

Valerie gave me a small, victorious wave from the passenger seat as she buckled her seatbelt.

The tires crunched on the gravel as the SUV pulled out of the driveway, heading toward the highway.

I stood on the porch until the sound of the engine faded completely into the Westlake Hills breeze.

I waited exactly fifteen minutes before I pulled out my phone.