Chapter 10 - The Property Papers
Harper had returned to the barbecue for one practical reason.
Their mother’s small lake property was being sold.
Vanessa claimed the house required expensive repairs.
She said the proceeds would fund Elaine’s long-term care.
Harper agreed in principle.
But the documents Vanessa sent listed only Vanessa as beneficiary.
Harper asked for corrected papers.
Vanessa avoided the subject.
That morning, she promised the family attorney would bring a new copy to the barbecue.
No attorney arrived.
Instead, Dylan had a folder near the grill.
Owen noticed him glance toward it repeatedly after Aunt Carol mentioned Harper’s money.
Harper noticed too.
“What is in the folder?”
Dylan stepped in front of the table.
“Nothing related to this.”
Vanessa grabbed her wine.
“The property is already handled.”
Harper’s posture changed.
“Handled how?”
“We accepted an offer.”
“You cannot sell it without my signature.”
“Our mother gave me authority.”
“Show me.”
Vanessa looked toward Dylan.
He did not move.
Harper stepped toward the folder.
Dylan placed one hand over it.
“Do not create another scene.”
Owen shifted beside Harper.
He did not interfere.
His presence was enough.
Dylan slowly removed his hand.
Harper opened the folder.
Inside was a copy of a power-of-attorney document.
Her mother’s signature appeared at the bottom.
Harper examined the date.
Elaine had been hospitalized and heavily sedated that day.
“She could not have signed this.”
Vanessa’s face went pale.
“You don’t know that.”
“I was with her.”
A notary stamp appeared beneath the signature.
The notary was Dylan’s business partner.
Harper looked up.
May you like
The scar on her shoulder was no longer the most dangerous thing exposed at the barbecue.
👉 Vanessa had not gathered the family to celebrate summer—she had gathered witnesses for a property transfer built on a forged signature.
