Chapter 5 - The Debt Tyler Hid
Marlene hired a title investigator.
The result arrived two days later.
Tyler owed nearly eighty thousand dollars from failed business ventures, credit cards, and private loans. One creditor had already filed suit. Another was preparing to seize his car.
Claire’s mother had co-signed two of the debts.
They were both running out of time.
Marlene placed the report on the study desk.
“This explains their urgency.”
Claire stared at the numbers. “Why would they think my house could fix this?”
“Because they may believe you can be pressured into signing it over.”
Claire remembered her mother’s favorite strategy. First came guilt. Then humiliation. Finally, a crisis so loud that surrender felt like peace.
That evening, her mother called crying.
“Tyler could lose everything.”
Claire remained silent.
“He made mistakes, but he is your brother.”
“I cannot pay his debts.”
“You have Daniel’s insurance money.”
“That money is for Ava.”
Her mother stopped crying instantly.
“You have become cruel.”
Claire looked at her sleeping daughter.
“No,” she said. “I have become responsible.”
Her mother hung up.
Ten minutes later, Claire received a message from Tyler.
You will regret choosing a dead man’s money over your living family.
Claire saved a screenshot and sent it to Marlene.
May you like
The attorney replied with four words.
Do not open the door.
