Chapter 5 - Tiffany Had Needed Margaret Desperate
Tiffany came to Margaret’s house that afternoon.
Daniel had told her about the binder.
She arrived furious.
Not apologetic.
“You went through my private things.”
Daniel stared at her.
“You had documents about my mother’s property.”
“My dad works in development.”
“Why was he studying Mom’s land?”
Tiffany crossed her arms.
“It was an opportunity.”
Margaret remained seated.
“Before or after you began increasing the wedding budget?”
Tiffany’s expression changed.
Only slightly.
Enough.
Margaret felt sick.
“Answer me.”
Tiffany looked toward Daniel.
“This is ridiculous.”
Daniel stepped closer.
“Answer her.”
For the first time, Tiffany seemed to realize Daniel was not going to
smooth the moment over.
She admitted Charles knew the county was considering infrastructure
changes near the Bennett property.
He believed Margaret might eventually sell.
Tiffany told him Margaret was spending heavily on the wedding.
Charles suggested Stonebridge make an offer if the land became
available.
“That doesn’t mean we forced you.”
Margaret’s voice stayed quiet.
“You asked for imported flowers after I told you the budget was gone.”
“That was for the wedding.”
“You added luxury transportation.”
“Daniel wanted—”
“No.”
Daniel interrupted.
“I didn’t ask for limousines.”
Tiffany looked at him.
“You said they were nice.”
“That is not the same thing.”
Margaret remembered every conversation.
Every time Tiffany said one more thing.
Every time Daniel said let it go.
Had Tiffany deliberately inflated the wedding to create financial
pressure?
Tiffany denied it.
She said the wedding grew because expectations grew.
Charles’s interest in the land was separate.
Maybe she even believed that.
Then Margaret asked:
“Did your father tell you Stonebridge would buy if I needed money?”
Tiffany did not answer.
That silence was enough to justify more questions.
May you like
Not enough to prove a conspiracy.
Margaret would need evidence.
