Chapter 8: The First Strike
Two weeks later, Charles made his first real move.
Through Margaret, he sent Arthur’s lawyer a formal letter along with copies of Rose’s notebook entries and several audio recordings. He didn’t send everything — just enough to make Arthur understand that they weren’t bluffing.
The letter was clear:
If Arthur continued trying to sell the house, access Rose’s money, or push the girls into foster care, they would release the evidence publicly and pursue both civil and criminal charges.
Arthur’s response came fast.
His lawyer called Margaret the next day, sounding much less confident than before.
“My client is willing to negotiate,” the lawyer said. “He’s willing to let the girls stay with their grandfather for now… as long as everyone stays quiet about certain private matters.”
Margaret didn’t even blink.
“Tell your client that if he wants quiet, he should start by dropping the sale of the house and returning every cent of Rose’s money. Otherwise, we go public.”
Arthur didn’t reply for three days.
On the fourth day, Charles received a message from Arthur directly.
It was short and angry:
You’re making a mistake, old man. Those girls are mine. I can take them back whenever I want.
Charles didn’t answer.
Instead, he showed the message to Lucy.
She read it, then looked up at him with calm, steady eyes.
“He’s scared,” she said.
Charles studied his granddaughter.
“How do you know?”
May you like
Lucy closed the notebook she was holding — the same one that once belonged to her mother.
“Because scared people start threatening when they realize they’re losing.”
