Chapter 8 - The Rose Garden Envelope
Tabitha approached the white roses as though she were inspecting property she already owned.
“Start packing,” she shouted. “After tomorrow, this house is ours.”
Paige continued trimming.
Her heartbeat was loud in her ears, but her hands remained steady.
Tabitha stepped off the pathway. One silver heel sank into the soil.
“Your brother helped us understand your father’s final wishes,” she said smugly.
Paige stopped the pruning shears mid-cut.
The statement was clear.
Kyle was involved.
Tabitha mistook Paige’s silence for fear.
“When we move in, these ugly roses are the first things going.”
Paige turned slowly.
“Get off my father’s property.”
Tabitha laughed.
“Your father is dead. His property belongs to whoever is smart enough to take it.”
She glanced toward the balcony, where Grant stood with Kyle.
Grant gave her a small nod.
Tabitha continued.
“By tomorrow afternoon, a judge will put Grant in control of the estate. We have witnesses, medical statements, and proof that you’re unstable.”
“Forged proof?”
“Proof is whatever people believe.”
Paige lowered the rose.
Near the base of the nearest bush, she saw the edge of a damp cream envelope.
Her breath caught.
She knelt and pulled it from beneath the leaves.
Across the front, in her father’s handwriting, were the words:
For Paige, when they finally say it aloud.
Tabitha’s smile vanished.
Paige opened the envelope.
Inside were the legal amendment and a small recording device.
Her father’s voice filled the garden.
By the time the message ended, Samuel, the investigator, and an officer had entered through the gate.
Grant attempted to retreat into the mansion.
Kyle stopped him.
“You said no one would be arrested,” Kyle shouted.
Grant shoved his hand away.
“You were useful because you were desperate. Don’t confuse that with being my partner.”
The words carried clearly through the garden.
Kyle stared at him.
Something inside him finally broke.
He turned toward the investigator.
“I have copies of everything,” he said. “The accounts, the forged receipts, the false statements. All of it.”
Grant’s face twisted with rage.
“Keep your mouth shut.”
Kyle looked down at Paige.
May you like
For the first time in months, he chose his family over his fear.
“No,” he said. “I’ve been quiet long enough.”
