“Only through the kitchen, but it leads to the open paddock,” he said. “They would see you.”

I took a deep breath and tried to calm my racing heart.

“Then we face them,” I said.

I pulled out my phone and kept it low, hidden by my jacket.

I sent a quick text to Harper Sloane.

*I need you to set up a meeting with Cypress Meridian immediately.*

Harper’s reply came back almost instantly: *Are you sure? What is happening?*

I typed back: *Tell them I am ready to sign the deed over. Make it high-stakes. Get everyone in the room.*

I shoved the phone back into my pocket before Arthur could see the screen.

“Arthur, let them in,” I said.

He hesitated, his hand hovering over the brass deadbolt.

“It is going to be alright,” I said, though I did not feel certain.

Arthur turned the lock with a metallic click.

He pulled the heavy door open.

The damp afternoon air rushed into the warm cottage, carrying the smell of wet earth.

Graham stood on the threshold, his dark trench coat beaded with moisture.