Chapter 16 - Robert Makes His MoveRobert learned about Michael’s visit within twenty-four hours.
Daniel never discovered who told him.
But the next morning two bank representatives arrived.
They carried notices regarding Carter Ridge’s commercial loans.
Because questions had arisen concerning property title, the bank was reviewing collateral validity.
Robert had anticipated this.
He called Daniel.
“You should have listened.”
“You contacted the bank.”
“I protected my interests.”
“You stole from the farm.”
“Prove it.”
“I can.”
Silence.
Daniel continued.
“We found Miriam’s covenant.”
Robert said nothing for several seconds.
Then laughed.
“You found a piece of paper in a barn.”
“Notarized.”
“Old documents can be challenged.”
“So can your development contract.”
Robert’s voice turned cold.
“You think Anna is your ally?”
Daniel glanced through the window.
Anna was walking with Ethan near the apple trees.
“She has more reason to hate you than anyone.”
“She has more reason to hate you.”
Daniel’s expression changed.
“What does that mean?”
Robert disconnected.
That afternoon Claire filed for a temporary protective order claiming Daniel had become unstable, aggressive, and obsessed with conspiracy theories.
She also petitioned for temporary access to Ethan as his stepmother, arguing that she had been the child’s primary caregiver.
The application failed.
But Claire’s supporting documents disturbed Daniel.
She included statements from Helen.
Daniel’s own mother.
Helen claimed Daniel had become “emotionally unpredictable.”
Daniel drove directly to her house.
“You sided with Claire?”
Helen began crying.
“Robert said if I didn’t—”
“Stop saying Robert.”
Daniel placed both hands on the table.
“You lied about Anna for twenty-three years. Now you’re helping the woman who terrorized Ethan.”
“I didn’t know what Claire was doing.”
“But you signed the statement.”
Helen looked down.
“He threatened me.”
“With what?”
She whispered:
“The truth about your father’s death.”
Daniel became still.
Walter Carter had died seven years earlier after falling from a grain platform.
An accident.
At least that was what everyone had always said.
“What truth?”
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Helen looked at him.
“I was there.”
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