Ryan shouted, “Grandpa always liked you better! You manipulated him!”
His accusation stung. During Grandpa’s last months, he taught me to maintain the aging cedar dock and secured my promise never to let developers turn his beloved land into another luxury project.
Ryan visited Grandpa only twice that last year, each time asking about the inheritance.
I got up slowly.
“Grandpa knew exactly who you were, Ryan.”
His face flushed.
“And apparently,” I continued, “he knew exactly who I needed protection from.”
Daniel clutched my wrist.
“Stop this. You’re making a mistake.”
I glanced at his grip.
“Let go.”
He released me. I slipped off my engagement ring and set it beside his untouched champagne.
“The wedding is canceled.”
Vanessa gasped. Mom wept. Dad stared at the ring. I wasn’t finished.
“Tomorrow morning,” I told them, “you’ll discover what else Katherine found.”
For once, nobody laughed.
At nine the following morning, Dad, Ryan, and Daniel appeared at Katherine’s office anticipating negotiations. Instead, the conference table held documents, with an independent forensic accountant and two attorneys representing the title company and intended developer present.
I was waiting in my seat when Dad entered.
“This is ridiculous,” he snapped. “We’re family.”
“Then you should have behaved like it,” I replied.
Katherine opened her file.
“The lake house is owned by Arthur Lake Holdings LLC. Emily is its sole member. No transfer or sale has been authorized.”
Ryan folded his arms.
“Fine. She can transfer the LLC.”
“She could,” Katherine replied. “But she won’t.”
She then presented the attempted transfer paperwork, forged signature, emails, developer’s proposed purchase agreement, and a text Daniel had sent Ryan:
Once we’re married, she’ll do it. If she refuses, we’ll pressure her until she gives in.
Daniel turned pale.
“That was taken out of context.”
Katherine pushed forward another sheet.
“Then explain the $400,000 payment promised to you.”
Silence followed.
Dad finally murmured, “Where did you get that?”
“From the people you involved,” Katherine answered. “The title company preserved its records after discovering discrepancies. The developer supplied the communications when notified that ownership was disputed.”
Ryan jumped up.
“This is extortion!”
“No,” I said. “This is accountability.”
Katherine confirmed that the disputed transaction had been halted before ownership changed. The title company had reported the suspected forgery to investigators; a civil claim for damages and legal expenses was being prepared.
