Chapter 5 - THE TRUTH INSIDE THE FOLDERAlan wasn't the successful attorney he claimed to be.
Three months earlier, he had been suspended for embezzling client funds.
He had accumulated more than $1.8 million in private debts.
His family had already cut him off.
There were records of gambling debts.
Suspicious transfers.
Meetings with developers.
And photographs of Alan sitting across from men discussing the Ashford Ranch.
One blueprint showed the southern pasture divided into hundreds of housing lots.
Avery stared at it.
Her voice became barely audible.
"He wanted to sell the ranch?"
Robert nodded.
"Not all of it. Just enough to solve his financial problems."
Avery looked at Clifford.
"How long have you known?"
"Long enough."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Clifford's eyes softened.
"Because I thought you'd believe him."
The words hurt more than anything.
Avery lowered her head.
"I should have believed you."
"No."
Clifford sat beside her.
"You were in love."
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
"He made me copy your keys."
Clifford squeezed her hand.
"That's why he chose you."
She looked at him.
"Because I trusted him?"
"Because you trusted everyone."
Avery began to cry.
Clifford pulled her into his arms.
Outside, Texas wind moved through the grass.
Inside, a daughter's perfect world was collapsing.
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But beneath the ruins, something stronger was beginning.
The truth.
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