Evelyn closed her hand around the key.
The messages confirmed what the moving cartons had already suggested.
Claire and her father had intended to establish themselves inside the property permanently, then pressure Evelyn into accepting an arrangement she’d never authorized.
The wedding wasn’t merely the occasion when their plan had been revealed.
It was the opportunity they’d chosen to put that plan into action.
For several seconds, mother and son remained silent.
Neither attempted to fill the uncomfortable distance between them with unnecessary explanations.
Then Daniel spoke.
“Mom,” he said, “I’m sorry.”
It was a small apology, and it had arrived far too late to erase what had happened.
But this time, it wasn’t accompanied by another accusation against Claire or a claim that Daniel had only been trying to help.
He appeared to be accepting responsibility.
Evelyn looked at the locked gate separating them.
