Chapter 18 - THE CALL FROM THE BANKThe call came from a regional bank.
“Mrs. Whitmore, we wanted to verify an inquiry regarding potential home-equity options.”
Dorothy’s stomach dropped.
No loan had been opened.
No application submitted.
But someone had requested information.
Cole.
He admitted it within an hour.
“I only asked rates.”
“Using Rosehaven.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To see options.”
“For your debt.”
“Yes.”
Dorothy stared.
“I never signed anything.”
Cole said it quickly.
As though legality were the same as loyalty.
Dorothy’s voice became quiet.
“You didn’t need to sign anything to betray me.”
Cole’s face tightened.
“You only needed to plan a life around property that wasn’t yours.”
He looked down.
“No money moved.”
“That is the lowest possible standard.”
Silence.
Dorothy continued.
“You were not caught stealing.”
“No.”
“You were caught assuming.”
Cole looked up.
May you like
“That matters too.”
For the first time, he did not argue.
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