Chapter 4 - What Franklin Had Seen Before the Slap
David connected Franklin’s phone to a secure tablet.
The video began without sound at first.
Amber pouring wine before Franklin arrived.
Brandon opening the brown-paper gift without permission, then rewrapping it when he realized it was only a watch.
Amber searching Franklin’s coat pockets.
Brandon removing a small envelope and reading it.
Franklin stared at the screen.
“What envelope?”
Brandon looked away.
David paused the footage.
The envelope had carried the results of Franklin’s recent medical tests.
Not financial documents.
Not a deed.
Private information about his health.
Amber spoke quickly.
“We were worried about you.”
“You searched my coat because you cared?”
“We thought you might be hiding something.”
Franklin gave a bitter smile.
“You were hoping I was dying.”
Neither answered.
Catherine Monroe remained silent near the fireplace.
Her calm presence made Amber more nervous.
David restarted the video.
Brandon read the medical report, then smiled.
He handed it to Amber.
She appeared relieved.
The report mentioned a heart rhythm issue that required monitoring.
Not a terminal diagnosis.
But Brandon had misunderstood the terminology.
He believed Franklin’s death might be near.
The video continued.
Amber pointed toward the hallway and mimed removing items from the house.
Brandon nodded.
They had begun planning what to take before Franklin even entered the room.
Franklin’s breathing slowed.
He had expected arrogance.
He had not expected anticipation.
“You thought I was going to die,” he said.
Brandon lifted his chin.
“You’re almost seventy.”
“So you started dividing my property?”
“You have more than you need.”
Franklin looked around the living room.
Every surface carried something Helen had chosen.
The lamp beside Amber.
The painting above the sofa.
The carved table where Brandon had thrown parties without permission.
His son had not only wanted the house.
He had begun treating Franklin’s death like a delayed transaction.
David opened the leather folder.
“The sale contract was signed twelve days ago.”
Brandon snapped toward him.
“That’s impossible.”
“Reeves Property Group authorized it.”
“My father is Reeves Property Group.”
Franklin shook his head.
“No. I control it. That distinction is why you never owned this property.”
Amber looked at Catherine.
“You bought it?”
Catherine answered evenly.
“My company did.”
Brandon stepped toward her.
“This house isn’t for sale.”
Franklin placed the brass key between them.
“It was.”
David turned another page.
“And the inspection revealed something unexpected.”
Franklin looked at him.
David had not mentioned any inspection problem.
“What did they find?”
The attorney’s expression became severe.
“A hidden loan secured against the property.”
May you like
Franklin stared at Brandon.
👉 Someone had borrowed millions against Franklin’s house using documents he never signed.
