Emilia took the envelope from the county employee, opened it, and read the first page. Then she looked at Landen with an expression of pure pity. “No, Landen.

You attempted to file a deed.”

His smile faded instantly. The county employee stepped forward to address the room. “The submission was officially rejected this morning and has been referred for further investigation.”

Laurel gripped the edge of the island. “Rejected? Why was it rejected?”

Emilia turned the document around so they could see the stamp. “Because this property is owned by the Linden Ridge Residential Trust. Elisa has a beneficial interest, but she does not personally hold the title, and cannot transfer the property through an ordinary spousal deed.”

Howard sat down hard on a breakfast chair, his face pale.