Chapter 8: The Ultimatum
Connor stared at the attorney, the sheer audacity of the offer hanging heavy in the hallway air. Fifty thousand dollars to sign away his birthright, his father's legacy, and the home they had planned to raise their children in.
"Fifty thousand," Connor repeated, his voice dangerously quiet. "For an estate worth millions."
"An estate encumbered by massive debts that Helen controls," Marcus countered, stepping slightly closer. "You cannot afford the legal fees required to contest this in a probate court. Your father’s signature on the primary deed transfer is legally registered and stamped. You have no leverage, Connor."
Clara stepped forward, pushing past Connor to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him in the doorway. The baby in her carrier let out a soft sigh, shifting slightly against her chest.
"If we have no leverage, Marcus, why are you standing here at two in the morning offering us a bribe?" Clara asked, her gaze piercing straight through the attorney's professional facade.
Marcus blinked, a momentary flicker of surprise crossing his features before he smoothed his expression back into an indifferent mask. "It’s merely a pragmatic solution to avoid an ugly family dispute."
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"Take your paperwork and get out of our hallway," Connor said, his voice dropping an octave as he gripped the edge of the door. "We’ll see you in court."
Marcus stared at them for a long, agonizing moment, realizing the intimidation tactic had completely failed. He slowly zipped his briefcase, gave a curt nod, and turned toward the stairs. "You'll regret that choice before the sun rises."
