Chapter 17 - Richard’s Explanation
Dad eventually gave a statement through counsel.
Not to excuse the assault.
To explain the money.
He believed Natalie’s house purchase was:
“a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
Briar Ridge properties rarely came onto the market.
Natalie and Mark could supposedly build equity.
If I gave the $180,000:
“The family would retain value.”
I asked my lawyer:
“What family? I don’t own the house.”
Exactly.
Dad treated Natalie’s private asset as a family investment and my private savings as family capital.
Ownership existed only when it benefited the favored person.
He also said he intended Natalie to repay me later.
The gift letter explicitly said no repayment.
When asked why, he answered:
“That’s what the bank required.”
There it was.
He knew the document said one thing while privately imagining another.
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That is not misunderstanding.
That is misrepresentation.
