Chapter 4 - THE SECRET IN HER FATHER'S NOTEBOOK
Evelyn had never told Damian everything about her father.
Not because she distrusted him when they married.
Because she wanted one part of her life to remain her own.
Her father, Thomas Bennett, had worked for decades as an electrician.
He'd also invested carefully in small commercial properties.
Before his death, he placed several assets in a family trust.
Evelyn was the sole beneficiary.
The trust wasn't enormous.
But it was hers.
And it included a minority interest in the company that had once owned part of the land beneath the Russo estate.
At Hannah's kitchen table, Evelyn spread out the documents.
Rebecca Sloan examined them.
“Your husband knows about this?”
Evelyn shook her head.
“He knows my father left me property.”
“But not the details?”
“No.”
Rebecca studied the papers.
Then frowned.
“Evelyn, this is interesting.”
“What?”
“The Russo estate was expanded through several land purchases.”
“Yes.”
“One of the parcels appears to have been transferred under an agreement involving your father's company.”
Evelyn leaned forward.
Rebecca continued.
“I want a real estate attorney to review this.”
“Why?”
“Because someone may have been trying to alter the ownership records.”
Evelyn stared.
“Who?”
Rebecca looked at her.
“I don't know yet.”
Two days later, the attorney discovered discrepancies.
A document had been submitted claiming Evelyn authorized the transfer of certain trust interests.
The signature appeared to be hers.
But Evelyn had never signed it.
She stared at the page.
“That isn't my signature.”
Rebecca nodded.
“We'll have it examined.”
Evelyn looked down.
Then noticed the witness name.
Nicholas Vane.
Damian's financial adviser.
Her stomach dropped.
That evening, Evelyn received a text from an unknown number.
Your husband isn't the only person you should be afraid of.
She stared at the screen.
Then another message arrived.
Ask Lydia why she wanted the trust documents.
Evelyn immediately forwarded both messages to Rebecca.
May you like
Then she looked toward the window.
For the first time, she understood that leaving Damian might have saved her from more than heartbreak.
