Chapter 17 - Celeste tries to sell the condo
Celeste listed her condominium.
Not because court took it.
Because she wanted cash and fewer expenses.
List:
$1.48m.
Mortgage:
$420,000.
Expected net equity after costs:
Around $930,000.
Why sell after receiving inheritance?
Citrine House needed restructuring.
Legal costs.
She wanted to move into a smaller property and reduce carrying costs.
Reasonable.
Then she told relatives:
“Erin forced me out of my home.”
I heard through cousin Dana.
I replied:
“Please stop sending me things Mom says.”
Dana apologized.
Boundary.
Then condo received offer:
$1.41m.
Celeste accepted.
No tragedy.
She rented a two-bedroom luxury apartment.
Still nice.
No “streets.”
Then Citrine House.
Inventory reduction improved cash.
Melissa negotiated better vendor terms.
Revenue recovered.
Business might survive.
Their relationship did not.
They began buy-sell mediation.
Celeste wanted buy Melissa.
Melissa wanted buy Celeste.
Independent valuation:
Company equity around $980,000 after debt.
Celeste 55% nominal:
$539,000 before control/market adjustments.
Melissa offered:
$520,000.
Celeste wanted:
$700,000.
Gap.
Could litigation happen?
Yes.
No need yet.
Then my trust distribution.
Final reserve not yet released because tax clearance.
I invested first $1.2m conservatively.
Paid down my condo mortgage? I was in rental, condo under repair. My condo worth ~$520k, mortgage ~$190k. I paid $100k, kept rest invested.
No sudden mansion.
No revenge shopping.
Then Grandma’s commercial property interest sold.
Final accounting approaching.
Then Celeste asked to see me.
Through attorneys.
I said no.
Two months later she asked again.
I said no.
Then my therapist asked:
“What would have to change?”
“I don’t know.”
“That’s acceptable.”
Good.
Then Owen Reeves invited me to pick up a copy of his final ring appraisal for insurance.
Could mail.
I went.
His pawn shop was clean.
Bright.
No movie grime.
He looked embarrassed.
“I’m glad you’re walking.”
“Me too.”
Then:
“I should have required title before going to the house.”
“Yes.”
“I changed policy.”
“Good.”
He handed appraisal.
No friendship.
No villain.
Then he said:
“Your mother asked me if I could buy the ring after probate ruled.”
“What?”
“I told her only from lawful owner.”
“Did she try?”
“No. She asked hypothetically through lawyer before her plea.”
That annoyed me.
Then amused.
Celeste still wanted the ring.
Not for money now.
May you like
For meaning.
That was harder.
