Chapter 10 - The Folder on the Table
Nora opened the folder.
The first document was Margaret Bennett’s trust agreement.
The second was the original deed.
The third was a sworn report from a handwriting expert.
Claire’s signature on Grant’s deed had been digitally copied from an old insurance form.
The pressure, angle and ink pattern were identical.
A real handwritten signature could not have matched so perfectly.
Nora also produced hospital records proving Claire was with Evelyn when the deed was supposedly notarized.
Evelyn stared at the date.
“I remember that day,” she whispered. “Claire never left my room.”
Grant tried to laugh.
“This proves nothing. Electronic filings are corrected all the time.”
“It proves enough for an emergency injunction,” Nora replied.
She placed a court order on the table.
A judge had reviewed the evidence early that morning.
The county was prohibited from recording any sale, mortgage or transfer involving the lake house.
Grant’s closing could not proceed.
His face changed.
“You had no right.”
“It is her property.”
“I invested millions around this lake!”
“That was your choice.”
Grant grabbed the injunction.
Nora did not flinch.
“Destroying your copy will not destroy the order.”
Grant turned toward Claire.
“You did this.”
“No,” Claire said. “You did.”
His phone began ringing.
Serena’s name appeared on the screen.
Then another call arrived.
Then another.
The investment group had learned that the access property was disputed.
Without clear title, it was suspending the resort financing.
Grant walked toward the kitchen, trying to answer privately.
Nora stopped Claire from following.
“Let him talk.”
Grant’s voice became louder.
“You cannot pull out now!”
A pause.
“I will deliver the deed.”
Another pause.
“No, she will sign.”
Claire watched him.
Grant no longer sounded like a husband trying to end a marriage.
He sounded like a man watching an empire collapse.
Then Robert stepped forward.
“I have the documents from the first forgery.”
Grant slowly turned.
May you like
His father had made his choice.
👉 Robert’s evidence could establish a pattern, but Evelyn was about to reveal something even more damaging about Serena and the false deed.
