Chapter 10 - Caroline Changes the Story
Ethan put the call on speaker.
Margaret’s face changed.
Not fear.
Recognition.
Caroline continued.
“David didn’t create that trust because of me.”
Margaret said nothing.
“He created it because he was already hiding debt.”
Robert stepped forward.
“That’s false.”
Caroline laughed.
“Of course you’d say that.”
She claimed David had borrowed against business assets and used Margaret’s inheritance to cover losses.
The house trust, according to Caroline, was designed to keep creditors away.
Ethan looked at his mother.
“Is that true?”
Margaret answered carefully.
“Partly.”
Lauren stared.
Caroline said, “There it is.”
Margaret ignored her.
David had business debt.
But he had not stolen Margaret’s inheritance.
He had used his own company shares.
The trust protected the house because it originally came from Margaret’s parents.
The property had never been David’s to give away freely.
Ethan felt another assumption collapse.
“This was Grandma’s house?”
Margaret nodded.
“My parents transferred it to me when you were five.”
“Then why did Dad always talk like it was his?”
“Because he managed everything.”
Caroline interrupted.
“And because Margaret let him.”
Her tone was poisonous.
Ethan finally asked.
“What do you want?”
Caroline did not hesitate.
“The same thing I wanted years ago.”
“The house?”
“The land.”
Ethan laughed bitterly.
“At least you’re honest.”
“I’m offering something Jason and Lauren never could.”
Lauren snapped, “Don’t drag me into your deal.”
Caroline ignored her.
She offered Ethan two million dollars to persuade Margaret to sell the property.
Margaret smiled faintly.
“Still the same, Caroline.”
Caroline answered.
“No. Just less sentimental.”
Then she ended the call.
Ethan stared at the dark phone screen.
Robert looked at him.
“She called because she knows the forgery is collapsing.”
Margaret added quietly.
“And because she thinks you can still be pressured.”
Ethan looked at his mother.
This time he did not defend himself.
May you like
He asked the only question that mattered.
“Can I?”
