Everyone on Daniel’s side understood what Evelyn meant.
Her home wasn’t a modest cottage that she struggled to maintain.
The Carter estate extended across fourteen acres outside Aspen, with mature gardens, a renovated library, stables transformed into rooms for storing artwork, and an extensive guest wing.
Her late husband, Henry Carter, had personally restored that wing, rebuilding it carefully before his death.
The property represented years of their shared work.
Claire’s jaw tightened.
“Of course, but that house is far too big for you alone.”
Evelyn chose not to engage.
She’d learned that people intent on controlling others frequently revealed more about themselves when allowed to continue speaking.
Then Daniel moved closer.
“Mom,” he said quietly, “I didn’t want to tell you today.”
An unfamiliar uneasiness traveled down Evelyn’s spine.
“Tell me what?”
Daniel swallowed.
Claire looked toward him with an expression that seemed to warn him against changing his mind.
