He looked uncomfortable, watching the family drama unfold in front of the bench.

Judge Whitaker took his glasses off and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“Mr. Pike, this court was under the impression you wanted to keep this land as a family retreat,” the judge said.

“We do, Your Honor,” Trevor said, stepping forward.

His leather shoes clicked on the linoleum.

“The lodge would be a family-run business, keeping the Lane heritage alive while generating income.”

“By turning a quiet mountain ridge into a parking lot?” I said.

David nudged my elbow, a silent warning to stay quiet.

“Ms. Lane, please,” Judge Whitaker said, though his tone was not angry with me.

He looked back at the new deed in his hands.

“This application was filed under a corporate name to shield the identity of the buyers.”

He looked directly at my sister.

“Why was that, Mrs. Pike?”

Kelsey’s chin trembled, but she lifted her head.

“Because we knew Meredith would try to block us,” she said.

“She always blocks us.”

“You lied to your own parents,” I said, turning to look at my mother.