The conference room door swung open at ten o’clock sharp, and Mark walked in behind a gray-haired attorney named Vance.

Mark adjusted his tie knot twice before taking the leather seat directly across from me.

“We’re here to settle this matter cleanly without unnecessary court costs,” Vance said, opening a leather portfolio and setting a single printed document on the table.

“My client is prepared to leave his ten-thousand-dollar cash offer on the table if Mrs.

Reed signs the property quitclaim deed today.”

Mark leaned back in his chair, resting his forearms on the edge of the table.