Chapter 6
Daniel returned sunburned, irritated, and still entitled.
The vacation had not gone perfectly.
The resort card issue embarrassed him. Patricia blamed Elena’s “cheap accounting department.” Marissa complained that her spa reservation had been canceled. Daniel promised everyone he would “handle Elena” as soon as they got home.
Home.
He said the word repeatedly during the ride from the airport.
By the time the van reached Hawthorne Crest, twelve suitcases and colorful travel bags had turned the driveway into a luxury mess.
Patricia stepped out first, still wearing oversized sunglasses.
Marissa followed with a champagne bottle she had brought from the van.
Daniel strode to the front door, already reaching for his key.
That was when he saw Sheriff Grant near the entry path.
Then Attorney Brooks beside him, holding a thick cream legal folder.
Daniel slowed, but only slightly.
“Why are you here?” he demanded.
Attorney Brooks answered calmly.
“To ensure the property review proceeds without escalation.”
Patricia pulled off her sunglasses.
“What property review?”
Daniel ignored her and pushed the key into the door.
It turned halfway.
Then stopped.
A sharp electronic rejection tone sounded.
He tried again harder.
Nothing.
“Why doesn’t my key work?”
Behind him, Marissa lowered the champagne bottle.
Patricia’s mouth tightened.
Elena stepped into view from the doorway in the ivory pantsuit, blonde hair loose over her shoulders, expression composed.
Daniel stared at her.
“What did you do?”
Elena did not answer.
Attorney Brooks did.
“Because Hawthorne Crest was never yours.”
The words landed across the driveway harder than any shout.
Daniel looked at the folder.
Then at the useless key.
Then at Elena.
May you like
His tan faded beneath sudden fear.
Read the full story 👉 Daniel came back expecting to unlock the mansion, but the lock answered before Elena had to.
