Chapter 14 - THE OFFER MADE BEHIND MALLORY’S BACKA proposed investor, Samuel Baird, contacted Naomi after learning property ownership disputed.
He had received pitch from Bernice:
Barrett Family Property LLC would own residential asset and use as collateral for bridge financing in Oak Brook project.
Samuel believed transfer imminent.
He never gave money because title not transferred.
Good.
He provided email.
Bernice:
Property contribution expected following family birthday meeting on Saturday.
There.
Birthday as closing opportunity.
Samuel asked:
Owner comfortable?
Bernice:
Yes. She understands this preserves property for daughters.
False.
Samuel:
Need legal confirmation before funding.
So no lender blind.
System had checks.
Mallory was not seconds from losing home instantly.
But Bernice advanced false narrative.
This realism matters.
Samuel withdrew.
Bernice's project collapsed.
She sold other assets.
Took losses.
No need house.
Consequences.
Mallory asked:
“Would she have paid back?”
Naomi:
“Maybe.”
“Motive not same as outcome.”
No simplistic.
Bernice probably intended repay.
Could still lose.
Consent violation enough.
Mallory felt anger then sadness.
May you like
A wealthy woman risked everything because could not tolerate asking daughter-in-law and hearing no.
Pride.
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