Chapter 17 - THE SETTLEMENT SANClA WANTED
Sancia proposed settlement of property claims.
She would:
Acknowledge sale lacked final authority.
Release Harbor Ridge completely.
Return all property documents.
Waive disputed $7,300 of claimed reimbursements beyond what Melissa verified.
Pay Eleanor’s direct title/legal costs.
In exchange:
Eleanor agrees to sell within twelve months.
Radnor agrees to vacate within six months.
Sancia receives no special proceeds beyond documented expenses.
At first glance:
Not theft.
Not self-enrichment.
A forced future.
Eleanor rejected.
“My house is not settlement currency.”
Exactly.
Then Sancia revised.
No mandatory sale.
Instead:
Professional appraisal annually.
Radnor’s rent moves to market within one year.
No estate changes involving the house for eighteen months.
That last clause.
No.
Eleanor’s estate decisions were hers.
Then Sancia said:
“I am trying to prevent undue influence.”
Her lawyer had a point that family conflicts can justify independent estate counsel.
Eleanor already had one.
No need freeze her choices by contract.
Then I faced temptation.
Market rent.
Could I agree voluntarily?
Maybe.
But should I bargain my housing in Sancia’s settlement?
No.
Eleanor and I later adjusted rent independently.
That separated issues.
Then Sancia offered to pay Maelle’s medical bill.
We accepted required restitution through the criminal process.
Not private peace.
No apology-for-access trade.
Then she requested one thing unrelated:
Juniper continues seeing Maelle.
I said:
“Yes, if the girls want and Owen handles exchanges.”
That did not require settlement.
Children not bargaining chips.
Sancia cried.
May you like
Real tears.
Maybe that was the first time she understood I was not trying to erase Juniper because of her.
