He barely glanced at the construction agreement.
He had been too busy choosing imported stone.
“Then she owes me for the renovations,” he said.
“That question would normally be addressed in civil court,” Mara replied.
“Unfortunately, the additions were constructed without several required permits, and an independent engineer determined they compromised the original foundation.”
She handed the officer a second report.
Logan’s brother, Daniel, stepped closer.
“You told us the permits were approved.”
“They were,” Logan said.
“No,” Mara replied.
“They were not.
The permit numbers submitted to the insurer belonged to two unrelated commercial projects.”
One of Logan’s business partners lowered his suitcase to the pavement.
That small movement frightened Logan more than the officer had.
His company depended on men like Theodore Price believing he was careful, controlled, and incapable of making reckless mistakes.
Theodore studied him.
“Were those numbers issued through Sterling Development?”
Logan ignored the question.
Sienna stepped toward the gate and peered across the lot as though the house might reappear if she looked from another angle.
“Where are our things?”
“His personal property was inventoried and moved to a secured storage facility,” Mara said.
“Your belongings were packed separately.
You will receive access after signing the release.”
“And the furniture?”
“Most of it belonged to the trust.”
Sienna looked at the white leather suitcase beside her, then at Logan.
The glamorous future he had promised her had lasted exactly eighteen days.
Logan turned back to me.
“You demolished the children’s home to punish me.”
Lily flinched.
That was what he wanted.
He knew I could withstand his anger, but he still believed I would collapse beneath our children’s disappointment.
I opened my car and took out a small wooden box.
Inside were photographs, a brass key, and the chipped yellow mug Lily had painted in sixth grade.
“I saved everything that made it their home,” I said.
“The height marks from the pantry doorway were cut out before demolition.
Their photographs and school projects are safe.
Their rooms have been packed exactly as they left them.”
Lily stared at the mug.
“You kept it?”
“Of course.”
Her eyes filled, but she looked away before the tears fell.
Marcus did not move.
“Dad said you were leaving because you wanted a new life.”
Logan’s jaw tightened.
I answered carefully.
“I never said that.”
“He said you refused to come to Italy because you hated Sienna.”
“Marcus,” Logan warned.
My son faced him.
“Did Mom sign the mortgage?”
Logan’s confidence returned for half a second.
“This is complicated adult business.”
“That means no,” Lily said.
The county officer introduced himself as Investigator Hale from the financial crimes unit.
