Chapter 8: The Cracks
Eleanor called me sweetheart in front of Dad’s friends, laughed at his stories, baked low-sugar desserts, and acted as if she had entered our lives to bring peace.
But after the wedding, once she no longer had to perform, the cracks appeared.
She made comments about how close Dad and I were.
She suggested I move across the country.
She wanted distance between us.
Not healthy distance, but the kind that leaves an aging, wealthy man easier to control.
My father saw more than he said.
He did not shout.
He did not accuse without proof.
He believed in timing, evidence, and preparation.
By three o’clock, my phone began buzzing violently across the desk.
Missed calls.
Voicemails.
Texts.
What have you done, Harper?
Answer me.
Call Benjamin and fix this right now.
I muted the thread.
Clearly, the buyers’ lawyer had received Benjamin’s warning. Continue Reading ⬇️
