And for six months, while Julian was overseas finalizing a major international merger in Zurich, Richard and Clara had deliberately intercepted Margaret’s mail, changed her phone number, and convinced the elderly woman that her grandson had forgotten her.
Chapter 4: The Titled Deed
"Julian...?" Clara stammered, stepping down onto the brick porch steps, her face pale as parchment. "Is... is that really you?"
Julian ignored Clara entirely. He walked up the concrete walkway with measured, deliberate strides, stopping at the base of the porch steps. He reached up, gently taking the telescoping handle of Margaret’s suitcase from her hand.
"I’m sorry I was delayed, Grandma," Julian said, his tone dropping into a warm, protective register. "My flight from Zurich landed at JFK two hours ago. My legal team had to stop at the county clerk's office first."
"Zurich?" Richard repeated, his voice cracking as he tried to reassert his dominance. "Listen here, pal! I don't care who you are or what kind of rental car you hired! This is private property! You can't just park on my curb—"