“He built on land he didn’t own,” I said. “He tried to force my hand.”

Harold sighed, a long, whistling sound through his nose.

He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a thick envelope.

It was a heavy, brown manila envelope, sealed with a red string.

“Trevor gave me this,” Harold said. “It’s the settlement offer. It includes a lump sum for the easement.”

“I don’t want his money,” I said.

“You don’t understand,” Harold said. “If you don’t sign this, Trevor is going to walk.”

“He told me tonight,” Kelsey whimpered from the phone. “He was packing a bag, Meredith. He said he can’t stay with a wife whose family ruins his career.”

“That’s blackmail, Kelsey,” I said. “If he loves you, he doesn’t leave because of a land dispute.”

“You don’t know anything about marriage,” Kelsey spat. “You live out here alone in the woods. You don’t have anyone.”

Her words stung, but I kept my face still.

I looked at the pine table where my cup of tea was turning cold.

“I have my home,” I said.