Chapter 14 - Ryan Makes His Final Mistake
The officers instructed Ryan to return to the driveway.
He refused.
He demanded to retrieve “his documents” from inside the house.
Claire said none of his belongings were there.
Ryan pointed through the doorway.
“My father’s files are in the study.”
William looked confused.
“What files?”
Ryan realized too late that he had revealed another reason for coming.
He knew William stored old business records in Claire’s study during visits.
Maya asked what the files contained.
Ryan stepped backward.
“Nothing relevant.”
Claire remembered seeing an unfamiliar black case inside the cabinet the previous week.
She assumed it belonged to William.
Now she asked the officers to remain while she checked.
Inside the case were copies of loan agreements, overdue notices, and correspondence between Ryan and the development company.
There was also a handwritten draft of the ownership-transfer plan.
At the bottom, one line read:
MOVE IN BEFORE CLAIRE RETURNS.
Ryan had planned the takeover days earlier.
The father’s signature was only one tool.
The failed key, moving truck, false letter, and immediate possession were all pieces of the same scheme.
William looked at his son.
“You put those papers in her house?”
Ryan answered:
“You told me I could use the study.”
“Not to steal the property.”
May you like
Ryan laughed bitterly.
“You started this.”
