Chapter 19 - LEO AND NORTH COAST
At ten, Leo began basic beneficiary education.
Not asset numbers.
Concepts.
“Your dad left resources managed for you.”
“Like allowance?”
“Much more boring.”
Helen Marsh explained trusts.
Leo hated it.
“Why can’t Uncle Jackson use it?”
“Because it’s yours.”
“Why can’t I?”
“Because you’re ten.”
“This system is unfair.”
“Exactly,” I said.
Helen glared at me.
He learned Sentinel Ridge paid royalties into the trust.
He learned his father helped invent emergency technology.
He did not learn Chad’s patent details until later.
At thirteen, he asked:
“Did Chad hurt me because of money?”
I answered carefully.
“Money was part of why he wanted control. It wasn’t the only reason.”
“What else?”
“Fear of losing you. Anger at me. Debt. Wanting Daniel’s technology. Wanting to be the person in charge.”
“Did he love me?”
I hated this question.
“I think he had feelings he called love.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“No.”
I tried again.
“I think he cared about you and still treated you unsafely.”
Leo looked down.
“People always say love like it helps.”
He had learned early.
“It doesn’t excuse conduct.”
May you like
“Better.”
We stopped guessing Chad’s heart.
