If he lost now, it would all be for naught. He took a deep breath, mustering courage from deep within, and said:
“$300,000! And that’s my final offer.”
The man hesitated, looking at his wife, her eyes filled with a mix of longing and caution.
“Go higher,” she whispered, almost pleadingly.
Just as Daniel felt the weight of despair crushing him, he saw the man whisper to his wife.
She looked disappointed but nodded. They didn’t bid further.
The auctioneer repeated the last bid, glancing around to ensure there were no other challengers. “Going once,” he started, and Daniel’s grip tightened on his paddle.
“Going twice…And sold!”
Daniel heaved a sigh of relief.
“This way, please.
The seller is eager to complete the transaction,” an attendant informed him as the auction ended.
Daniel hesitated for just a second before pushing through the curtains. The room was softly lit by an ornate chandelier, throwing shadows on the baroque walls. It was the sight of the man seated behind the table that made Daniel’s brows arch.
Gary looked up, and their eyes locked.
“Surprised?” Daniel’s voice was cold.
Gary’s face turned pale. “Daniel??” he croaked. “This isn’t what it seems.”
Gary suddenly lunged to his side, knocking over a vase.
He sprinted toward a window, but it was jammed.
“There’s nowhere to run, Gary!” Daniel approached him. “Just stop!”
But Gary wasn’t listening. He turned, scanning the room, and spotted an ornate fireplace poker.
Grabbing it, he brandished it towards Daniel, panting heavily.
“Stay back!” he hissed.
Before the standoff could escalate, the sound of heavy boots reverberated in the hallway. The door burst open, revealing two police officers. Seeing them, Gary’s face contorted with despair, realizing he was trapped.
“No! This isn’t how it was supposed to go!”
Detective Martin, whom Daniel had briefed earlier, strode in. “Mr.
Miller, drop the weapon. You’re under arrest.”
“You thought you were the smartest one, Gary. But the truth always catches up,” Daniel said.
As Gary was taken away, Daniel saw Margaret at the entrance.
“Daniel…” she began, approaching him.
“I came here to confront you. I found out about the house. But now…seeing this…”
Daniel pulled her into a hug as she sobbed and regretted doubting him.
“It’s OK, Maggie,” he whispered. “It’s OK. He tricked you into it.
It wasn’t your fault.”
“How could I have been so blind, Daniel?” she sobbed. “All this…under my nose?”
“Look, the truth is out now, and we’ll get through this together, OK?” he said, pulling away from her. “We’ll get everything back, so don’t worry.
And yeah, I forgive you. Family is all about forgiveness, Maggie. We falter, we make amends, and then we rebuild.”
“Thank you, Daniel.
And I’m-I’m sorry,” she cried.
“Don’t thank me. Just promise me one thing: never doubt your family without knowing the whole story. OK?”
Margaret looked at Daniel in tears and nodded, knowing this incident had strengthened their bond and dissolved past misunderstandings.
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