Greg whispered, “What does it say?”

I continued reading.

Seven years before Michael’s death, Greg had briefly worked at his father’s construction company.

I remembered it.

Greg had supposedly quit after an argument.

At least, that was what I had been told.

The truth was very different.

Michael had caught Greg forging company checks.

More than $31,000.

I could barely breathe.

“No.”

Margaret nodded.

Greg moved backward toward the wall.

I stared at him.

“You stole from your father?”

“Mom—”

“Seven years ago?”

“It wasn’t—”

“STOP SAYING IT WASN’T LIKE THAT!”

My voice shook the room.

That was when the tears finally came.

Not because of the money.

Because Michael had carried the truth by himself.

The letter explained the rest.

Greg had begged his father not to tell me.

Michael agreed, but only if Greg repaid every dollar and never interfered with family finances again.

Greg repaid only a small portion.