“That valley land holds the only aquifer capable of supporting your project.

Without Margaret’s ground rights, your commercial permits are completely worthless.”

Daniel let out a dry, short laugh that ended in a heavy cough.

“It doesn’t matter.

Margaret is signing the property over to my management company today.”

“I am doing no such thing, Daniel,” I said softly, sitting upright in my chair.

Daniel turned his head toward me, but his gaze was hazy, his pupils wide to the edges of his irises.

“Margaret, we discussed this at home.