Chapter 5

On Friday morning, I did not tell Ethan I knew about Leah, Sophie, the deposit, or Grant's message.

I asked the lender for a complete copy of every document submitted in my name.

That alone bought me time.

By noon, I had the application packet.

Ethan had not only described me as reducing my work.

He had attached a household budget that treated the loan as a way to "stabilize family obligations."

No mention of Leah.

No mention of the gray cottage.

Just a neat phrase designed to make another life disappear inside ours.

I requested independent review.

The lender…