Chapter 23 - Robert’s Version of the TruthRobert requested a private meeting.
Daniel refused at first.
Melissa advised allowing it with attorneys present.
Robert arrived wearing the same expensive navy suit he wore to charity events.
He appeared calm.
“Anna has told you her story.”
“She showed me documents.”
“Documents don’t explain families.”
Daniel said nothing.
Robert continued.
“Your grandmother was becoming irrational near the end.”
“She had lawyers notarize everything.”
“Old people can be manipulated.”
“By ten-year-old Anna?”
Robert smiled faintly.
“You’ve always wanted simple villains.”
Daniel almost laughed.
“I spent most of my life believing you were a hero.”
Robert’s smile disappeared.
He offered his version.
Walter had been desperate to save the farm during a financial crisis.
Robert moved money because banks wouldn’t lend.
The questionable foster arrangements were supposedly attempts to help children temporarily.
Anna misunderstood.
Miriam overreacted.
Rachel interfered.
Helen panicked.
Claire became reckless.
In Robert’s version, everyone else had created the problem.
Daniel listened until Robert finished.
Then he asked:
“Why did you tell Claire to silence Ethan?”
Robert’s expression changed.
“I never used those words.”
Daniel placed printed messages on the table.
Robert looked at them.
“You interpreted a business conversation emotionally.”
“My seven-year-old son was terrified inside a barn.”
Robert leaned back.
“And that is unfortunate.”
Daniel stared at him.
That sentence ended the meeting.
Not because it revealed a legal fact.
Because it revealed Robert.
To him, Ethan was collateral damage.
Anna had been collateral damage.
Michael had been collateral damage.
Anyone could be sacrificed if Carter Ridge remained under his control.
Daniel stood.
“We’re finished.”
Robert smiled.
“You still need me.”
“No.”
“The banks will come after you when Anna claims ownership.”
Daniel looked at Anna, who had entered quietly behind him.
Robert froze.
Anna spoke.
“I’m not coming after Daniel.”
Robert stood.
“Anna.”
She stared at the man who had helped erase her childhood.
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“You should have stopped watching me years ago.”
For the first time, Robert looked afraid.
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