love without making decisions over her head.
She needed a partner.
I had once been one.
Maybe I could become one again.
Later that evening, we gathered in the library again. Not everyone by choice. Margaret sat stiffly in the leather chair near the fireplace. Jennifer stayed beside Michael, her makeup washed away, looking younger and frightened. Samuel stood at the head of the table with a legal pad full of notes.
Emma sat beside me.
This time, no one asked why.
Samuel began. “Here is what we know. Clara Whitaker’s family appears to have owned or had a claim connected to the restaurant property and adjoining land. Daniel’s father was aware of pressure from Ashford or its predecessor. He attempted to protect documents and locate Clara’s daughter, Emma.”
He turned a page.
“Margaret knew of the letters and kept them hidden. Jennifer recently transferred a missing investigative report to
