One message read:
Robert is too sentimental to ask for repayment. Eventually he’ll just forgive the whole thing.
Another was more painful.
Once Eleanor stops interfering, Daniel can focus on his real family.
I looked toward my wife.
She had gone very quiet.
Patricia lowered her head.
“I should have told you sooner.”
Then she explained that Daniel and Vanessa had been borrowing heavily to maintain their lifestyle.
Expensive renovations.
Luxury purchases.
Additional business financing.
Their finances were far more fragile than we’d realized.
The elegant mansion wasn’t proof of financial security.
It was a beautiful property supported by increasingly difficult obligations.
I called Richard again.
“Please continue with the proper default process.”
He hesitated.
“Robert, if Daniel can’t resolve the outstanding debts, the property may eventually need to be sold.”
I looked toward Eleanor’s handmade tablecloth, folded carefully on our dining table.
“Then he’ll have to make a responsible decision.”
