She rejected them.
Because Oliver did not live there.
Then she discovered Ryan had filed a petition seeking formal recognition as Oliver's biological father and expanded custodial authority.
Nothing inherently wrong with that.
He was the father.
Except attached to his financial disclosure was a claim that he had established a suitable home for Oliver.
The condo.
Purchased partly with Megan's $74,000.
And a mortgage application bearing my forged signature.
I whispered:
“They were using our names to build a custody case.”
Nora answered:
“Among other things.”
“What other things?”
She hesitated.
“Ryan's company is in financial trouble.”
My heart stopped.
“How bad?”
“Bad enough that he recently tried to pledge the condominium as collateral for business debt.”
Dawson swore.
I thought of our children.
Our house.
Our savings.
Ryan kissing me goodbye.
Another business meeting?
Unfortunately.
He had not merely betrayed me emotionally.
He had been rearranging our family's financial life while building a second household with my best friend and his secret son.
