She Was Forced to Marry a Poor Rancher — Not Knowing He Owned Half the Valley
Chapter 5
The truth about Gideon Bell emerged slowly.
He had not been paying the family’s debts.
He had been creating them.
He borrowed against properties.
Forged documents.
Sold parcels secretly.
Then blamed the losses on Margaret’s father.
When her father died, Gideon became executor of the estate.
Margaret inherited the remaining property.
But she could not legally sell it without his approval.
Gideon had used that power to trap her.
And now he needed Thomas.
Not because Thomas was poor.
Because Thomas was the one man who could expose him.
Thomas showed Margaret a letter.
It was from Gideon.
“You will marry the Reed boy. His reputation is poor. His finances are worse. Once the marriage is complete, Margaret will be under his authority. I will settle the remaining debts.”
Margaret’s hands trembled.
“He planned this.”
“Yes.”
“He thought you were poor.”
“Yes.”
“Then why did you agree?”
Thomas looked at her.
“Because it gave me access to the papers.”
“What papers?”
“Your father’s original estate records.”
Margaret stared.
“Where are they?”
“Gideon has them.”
“Then we need them.”
Thomas nodded.
“But we must be careful.”
“Why?”
“Because Gideon has already tried to kill me once.”
Margaret froze.
“When?”
“Three years ago.”
“What happened?”
Thomas looked toward the scar near his ribs.
“A bullet.”
She stood.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because it wasn’t your burden.”
“It is now.”
Thomas looked at her.
“Is it?”
She nodded.
“You are my husband.”
He looked away.
The word seemed to affect him.
