Julie’s eyes were blazing as she looked at Pamela. “You’re not taking this inn. Not like this.”
Pamela’s smile was cold and satisfied. “I told you, Julie. I told you I’d get what was mine. You should have listened.”
“Please, just go,” Jack said to Julie and Holly, his voice strained. “We’ll talk about this later. This is already hard enough.”
“I’m not leaving,” Charlie said firmly. “If this is happening, you need legal representation. I’m staying.”
Simon leaned back in his chair, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “I have no problem with that. In fact, I welcome it. Let Ms. Burke witness how thoroughly we’ve prepared our case.”
Jack looked at Holly, and something passed between them that Jane couldn’t quite read. “Fine. Charlie stays. Holly, Mom, please. I can’t do this with you here.”
Holly’s face crumpled slightly. “Come on, Julie. Let’s not watch this.”
Julie turned to Pamela, her voice scathing and sharp. “I don’t care what my son says. This is far from over, Pamela. Mark my words.”
Pamela waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, Julie. Always so dramatic. Face it. You’ve lost.”
Holly gently took Julie’s arm and led her from the room. The door closed behind them with a soft click that sounded far too final.
Jane sat down at the table across from Pamela and Simon, her father beside her, Charlie on his other side. The room felt like it was closing in.
Simon opened his briefcase with deliberate care, pulling out a thick folder of documents. “Now then. Let’s discuss the revised offer.”
“Revised?” Jack asked.
“Yes,” Simon said, sliding a paper across the table. “Given the additional information that’s come to light about the property’s condition, we’ve had to adjust our proposal.”
Jane picked up the paper and felt her stomach drop. The number was even lower than before. Insultingly low.
“What additional information?” Charlie asked sharply.
Simon pulled out another document. “This is an updated inspection report. It seems there are moresignificant foundational problems than initially assessed. The cost to repair would be... substantial.”
He slid the report toward them. Jane saw Abe Tanner’s signature at the bottom and felt something twist in her chest. Even Abe. Even he had betrayed them.
“This is outrageous,” Charlie said, though her voice lacked the heat Jane expected. “The inn just passed inspection yesterday.”
“Did it?” Simon asked, raising an eyebrow. “Because, according to this official report, there are serious concerns about structural integrity. I’m afraid the original offer is no longer viable given these findings.”
Pamela leaned forward, her eyes glittering with triumph. “Be reasonable, Jack. This is more than fair considering what you’re actually selling us. A building that needs hundreds of thousands in repairs? You should be grateful we’re still interested at all.”
Jack took the offer and handed it to Charlie without looking at it. “Look it over.”
Charlie pulled the documents toward her and began reading slowly, methodically. Minutes ticked by. Simon drummed his fingers on the table. Pamela checked her watch twice.
“This will take hours,” Pamela said impatiently.
“Then we’ll take hours,” Charlie said coolly, not looking up. “My clients aren’t signing anything until I’ve reviewed every word.”
Simon settled back in his chair. “By all means. Take your time.”
More minutes passed. Jane watched her father’s profile, trying to read his expression, but his face was carefully blank.
Pamela turned to Jane with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Jane, sweetheart. Could I have a word with you? In private? Mother to daughter?”
Jane felt her father stiffen beside her. She glanced at him and Charlie, who were both bent over the paperwork, then back at Pamela.
“Sure,” Jane said, standing. “Why not?”
