My husband had strictly forbidden me from visiting his farm, but after his death the lawyer handed me the keys and said, “Now it’s yours.” I planned to sell it, but out of curiosity I decided to visit first. When I opened the door, I lost my breath, because inside was… – INFO DESK

“The farm was in ruins when I bought it, Cat—just like when I was a kid. But this time, I had the resources to transform it. Every business trip in the last three years, I was here overseeing renovations, building something for you.”

Outside, the brothers had approached the door again. This time, the oldest, Robert, held a document against the window for me to see—a court order of some kind.

“My brothers will come for it,” Joshua continued in the video, his expression hardening. “They never wanted the farm until last year when oil was discovered in the region. Suddenly, the worthless property they’d mocked me for buying was valuable. They’ll try everything to take it from you.”

One of the brothers was on the phone again, his expression triumphant as he ended the call.

“In the bottom drawer of this desk is a blue folder with every legal document you need. The farm is unquestionably yours. I made sure of it.”

Joshua’s face softened again.

“But, Cat, whether you keep it or sell it is entirely your choice. I built this place for you, filled it with beauty for you, but I don’t want it to become a burden.”

A vehicle was coming up the driveway—a police cruiser with Royal Canadian Mounted Police markings. The brothers watched its approach with satisfied expressions.

“One last thing,” Joshua said. “In the stables, you’ll find six horses—all breeds you’ve admired over the years. The staff I’ve hired will continue caring for them whether you’re here or not. They’re my last gift to you, along with the means to enjoy them.”

The video ended, freezing on Joshua’s smiling face.

Knocking resumed at the door, more authoritative this time.

“Mrs. Mitchell. RCMP. We need you to open the door, please.”

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