Chapter 10 - Claire ReturnsClaire returned two days later with a lawyer.
She demanded access to the farmhouse.
Daniel refused.
Her attorney argued that she was Daniel’s legal spouse and resident.
Melissa Grant handled the discussion.
Claire stood beside her car glaring at Daniel.
“You’ve turned Ethan against me.”
Daniel almost laughed.
“He’s seven.”
“Exactly. He repeats whatever adults teach him.”
“Then why was he afraid to speak to me on the phone?”
Claire’s expression hardened.
“You’re building a story because you’re guilty.”
“Guilty of what?”
“Leaving your son with someone else while you chase money.”
The accusation landed.
Daniel didn’t deny that he had worked too much.
Claire saw the hesitation and pressed harder.
“You lost Rachel. You couldn’t handle being alone. You found me because you needed somebody to do the parenting you wouldn’t.”
Daniel looked at her.
“That’s exactly why you thought I’d never notice.”
Claire said nothing.
Daniel continued.
“You knew my guilt would protect you.”
For the first time she appeared unsettled.
Then Daniel asked:
“How long have you been working with Robert?”
Claire’s entire body became still.
That was his answer.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Green Field.”
Her eyes changed.
“Ridgeway Holdings.”
She turned toward her attorney.
“We’re leaving.”
Daniel called after her.
“$186,400.”
Claire stopped.
“Robert’s development deal is dead.”
She looked over her shoulder.
“You have no idea what you’ve just done.”
Daniel almost smiled.
“I keep hearing that.”
Claire walked back toward him.
Quietly she said:
“Your father built everything you have by keeping certain truths buried. You dig them up, and Ethan might inherit nothing but debt.”
Then she left.
Daniel stared after her.
Claire hadn’t denied stealing the money.
More importantly, she had spoken as someone who understood the hidden ownership structure.
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She knew about the family agreement.
The question was how.
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