I looked at them both.
“You promised to care for Natalie and Miles. Instead, you made decisions for them, used their belongings, and kept me from understanding what was happening.”
Beverly narrowed her eyes.
“After everything I’ve done for you, you’re choosing her over your own mother?”
I replied evenly.
“I’m choosing to protect my family. You should have wanted that for me.”
The Truth About the Money
Next morning, Natalie and I inspected our statements. Beyond the $340 electronics purchase were smaller restaurant and shop transactions. Mallory had spent grocery funds personally. Nearly $600 had been used without Natalie’s informed consent.
When called, Mallory initially denied it, then admitted Beverly had approved the spending.
“Mom said you could afford it,” she explained.
“That’s not the point, Mallory.”
“I was going to pay you back.”
“Then you can start now.”
Mallory had nothing more to say. I contacted the bank, arranged a new debit card for Natalie, and changed the security arrangements so neither woman could repeat those purchases.
