The first folder contained a deed dated in March. My name appeared as the owner, and beneath it was supposedly my signature. I knew immediately I’d never signed it. Then Grandma pointed toward the witness line. My stomach dropped. My father’s name was there. Dad insisted he’d believed the paperwork was legitimate, but Daniel quietly opened the second folder and proved otherwise.

Someone had created an email account using my full name and contacted Daniel’s office requesting that the lake house be transferred. Altered identification documents had also been submitted. Fortunately, Daniel noticed inconsistencies and stopped the transfer before ownership legally changed. Then Tessa started crying. She admitted she’d discovered the property was worth much more than we’d realized. She and Dad had discussed selling it and splitting the proceeds, believing I’d eventually sign whatever they placed in front of me because I trusted them. The forged deed was supposed to make their plan look legitimate.