She Was Forced to Marry a Poor Rancher — Not Knowing He Owned Half the Valley
Chapter 9
The missing estate records were hidden in Gideon’s warehouse.
Margaret discovered the location from an old letter.
She and Thomas entered after midnight.
The building smelled of grain and damp wood.
They searched for an hour.
Then Margaret found a locked chest.
Inside were documents.
Her father’s will.
Original property deeds.
Payment records.
And letters.
One letter made her hands tremble.
It was written by Gideon.
“Once Margaret marries Reed, the Bell estate can be transferred through the marriage settlement. Reed’s hidden holdings must be discovered and leveraged. If necessary, force the matter through the magistrate.”
Thomas read it.
“He planned to take my land.”
Margaret looked at the documents.
“He thought you were poor.”
“That doesn’t matter.”
“Why?”
“Because now he knows.”
A noise came from outside.
Men.
Thomas extinguished the lantern.
The door opened.
Gideon’s voice echoed through the warehouse.
“Find them.”
Margaret whispered:
“We’re trapped.”
Thomas took her hand.
“No.”
They moved toward the rear wall.
Thomas found a narrow door.
They escaped into the rain.
They ran through the fields.
A shot cracked behind them.
Margaret stumbled.
Thomas caught her.
“Are you hurt?”
“No.”
He held her tightly.
For a moment, neither moved.
Then Margaret whispered:
“I was afraid.”
“So was I.”
She looked up.
“You?”
“Yes.”
“Of dying?”
“No.”
“Then what?”
Thomas looked into her eyes.
“Of losing you.”
