Marcus spoke through the system again, explaining that the deed filed in March had been flagged because the villa’s title was protected by a legal hold. My father had forged my signature and submitted false paperwork in an attempt to transfer ownership to Rochelle. The sheriff had already been notified, and deputies were on their way. My father began shouting that the entire situation was a misunderstanding. He claimed I had given him permission to handle the property and that the recording had been taken out of context. But Marcus had the original documents, the bank transfers, the suspicious deed, and the security footage. There was no simple explanation left for him to offer.

Exactly nine minutes after the first warning, two deputies arrived. Marcus met them outside and handed over a sealed folder containing the evidence. The officers entered the villa and began questioning everyone. The notary whose name appeared on the deed was contacted, and within an hour, he admitted that he had been paid to approve paperwork without properly verifying my identity. Garrett was visibly shaken when he learned what his father had done. He eventually agreed to cooperate with the investigation because he didn’t want his children dragged into the situation. My father was charged with forgery and fraud. Only after the deputies had finished their work did Marcus give me permission to enter the code that released the shutters. Slowly, the windows opened, and the evening light returned to the living room.