Chapter 2 — The Land Nobody Wanted
The attorney opened the leather folder.
"This morning," he announced, "the State of Texas finalized ownership records for the Callahan property."
Vanessa laughed nervously.
"This is ridiculous."
"It's just an abandoned ranch."
The attorney looked at her.
"No."
"It is one hundred and twenty-seven acres sitting directly above one of the largest newly confirmed oil reserves in West Texas."
No one breathed.
Bryce blinked.
"What?"
The attorney continued.
"Estimated mineral rights value..."
He paused.
"...currently exceeds three hundred and eighty million dollars."
A champagne glass slipped from someone's hand.
It shattered on the stone patio.
Vanessa's smile disappeared.
Bryce stared at me.
"You knew?"
I nodded.
"Since this morning."
His face drained of color.
"You tricked me."
"No."
"You exposed yourself."
The attorney removed another document.
"This," he said, holding it toward the crowd, "is a forged transfer agreement submitted last week."
Every guest leaned forward.
"The signature does not belong to Ms. June Callahan."
"It belongs to whoever attempted to imitate her handwriting."
Bryce stepped backward.
"I didn't..."
The attorney interrupted him.
"We already know who submitted it."
Vanessa whispered,
"Oh my God..."
The attorney slowly looked toward Bryce.
May you like
"The filing includes your personal identification number."
The investors standing beside Bryce quietly moved away.
