The consultant slid a folder across the table. Marcus opened it. His eyes widened. Even he hadn’t realized the numbers would be this large. The projected value of the Brooks property had nearly tripled within the last year, and future development plans suggested it would rise even further. Millions, perhaps even tens of millions. Marcus slowly closed the folder.
For the first time, excitement flashed openly across his face. The consultant leaned forward. If that land stays in the family, whoever controls it becomes very wealthy. The word controls lingered in Marcus’ mind. Not owns controls. A subtle distinction, a dangerous one. Meanwhile, far across town, Lucas received a phone call.
His security contact sounded unusually serious. Lucas, what is it? We found something. Lucas straightened immediately. What? A brief silence followed. Then came the answer. Marcus Reed started asking questions about the Brooks family property months before he ever met Hannah. The rooms suddenly felt colder because that wasn’t coincidence.
