Page 113 of Stuck with my Mechanic Daddies

I picked it up, scanning the typed words.

Mr. Bennett,

Per our arrangement, Walter Grady has agreed to the revised terms for the property acquisition. Once the paperwork is finalized, the loan from the bank will be approved, and you will be free of your financial burden.

However, our mutual acquaintance, Mr. Lawson, has informed me of a complication. It would seem certain parties have raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the deal. To ensure a smooth transaction, Mr. Lawson will handle the matter discreetly.

Your cooperation in keeping this matter private is expected.

Best regards,

A. Reynolds

I barely heard Aurora’s sharp inhale as the words sank in.

Reynolds. The old bank manager.

And Mr. Lawson. Hank’s father.

A slow, sick realization crept over me. “Hank’s family—his father—set them up.”

Aurora’s head snapped up, her eyes wide. “What?”

I laid out the documents.

“Look at this. This wasn’t just a bad deal. Hank’s father orchestrated the whole thing, made it look like George was in over his head financially, forced my grandfather into a position where he had no choice but to pull out. And then, when George tried to fight back…” I pointed to another letter. “They blackmailed him.”

Aurora grabbed the letter, her jaw tightening.

It was from George to Walter Grady.

Walter,

I don’t know how much longer I can keep this quiet. They have something on me, something I can’t let get out. You know the truth, but I can’t ask you to ruin your family to clear my name. Just take care of yourself, alright?

If anything happens to me, don’t let them win.

Aurora pressed a hand to her mouth.

“This is why Hank’s been after Page Turners,” I said, my voice low. “It’s not just about money or some business deal gone bad. He's trying to finish what his father started. He's rewriting history to make himself look like the town’s most powerful man.”

She stared at me, her expression unreadable.

“He blackmailed my uncle,” she whispered. “He forced him into a corner, just like Hank is trying to do now.”

Silence stretched between us, thick and heavy with the weight of the truth.

Then Aurora clenched her fists.

“We can prove it,” she said, determination sparking in her eyes. “We have to.”

I met her gaze, feeling that same fire light inside me.

Hank Lawson thought he could control this town. But he had no idea what was coming for him.

Aurora hadn't said much after we finished going through the documents.

She sat on the floor, her back against the cabinet, staring at the papers like they might rearrange themselves into something easier to understand.

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