Chapter 4
Sarah set the casserole dish on the entryway table and placed a warm, steady hand on Claire’s shoulder. The simple gesture of human kindness was nearly enough to break Claire’s fragile composure. She led her friend into the living room, where they sat side-by-side on the beige sofa. "It's Ethan," Claire said softly, staring at the muted television screen across the room. "My father left me the house. Sole inheritance. Ethan found out this morning." Sarah’s eyebrows raised in surprise, her lips parting slightly. "Oh, honey. That’s... complicated." "Complicated doesn't even begin to cover it," Claire sighed, rubbing her temples where a dull, throbbing headache had settled. "He thinks I plotted this behind his back. He thinks I manipulated my father into cutting him out." "Well, you have to admit, it looks tough from his perspective," Sarah replied cautiously, choosing her words with care. "Ethan put a lot of sweat equity into fixing up this place. He poured his savings into the new roof last year." "I know that!" Claire snapped defensively, a flash of her own frustration breaking through. She immediately softened, dropping her gaze to her hands. "I know, Sarah. I’m sorry. I’m just so scared. He looked at me this morning... he looked at me like I was an enemy." "Men handle ego hits very badly," Sarah observed wisely. "Property is tied up in identity for guys like Ethan. It's about provision and status. If he feels like he’s living under your charity, his pride is going to make him lash out." Claire listened to the harsh truth of her friend's words, feeling a cold knot twist in her stomach. Ethan’s pride had always been his armor, but right now, that armor was turning into a weapon pointed directly at her and the baby. "What am I supposed to do?" Claire whispered. "Sign it over to him? Add his name back?" Sarah frowned, leaning back against the cushions. "I wouldn't rush into anything rash, Claire. Legal titles matter. Talk to a lawyer first. Protect yourself and Leo." The door latch clicked downstairs, followed by the heavy, familiar tread of footsteps in the hall. Ethan was back. Claire stood up instantly, her body bracing for impact as the living room archway darkened with his shadow.
