Chapter 8 - The Warning Mason Ignored
Mason met with his own counsel for hours after the memo surfaced. The email, sent by a junior title reviewer, flagged Skye's recorded half-interest and requested clarification before any full-property deed could be accepted. Bennett responded that a corrective affidavit would resolve the issue. Mason approved proceeding to the scheduled closing without waiting for independent confirmation.
When asked about the decision, Mason admitted he had been concerned about losing financing if the closing slipped. He said he relied on Bennett and the closing firm to complete the title work properly. He also acknowledged that he'd personally seen the co-ownership warning.
June listened to the account without raising her voice.
"You were told my granddaughter owned half," she said. "You didn't even call her."
Mason had no answer that satisfied her.
Paige told Skye that failing to investigate a warning could affect defenses and remedies, but any final determination remained for the court or a negotiated resolution. She refused to claim the case was won merely because Mason appeared embarrassed during testimony.
The bank records, meanwhile, showed that the disputed sale proceeds had been routed into an account controlled by Bennett's consulting company rather than an ordinary neutral escrow account for June. Some funds were still there; others had been used to pay purported transaction expenses. Ridgegate's outside counsel notified relevant authorities and pursued recovery. June had received none of the advertised sale price.
Bennett continued to contest the allegations and was entitled to defend himself. But the documentary questions were now substantial enough that the developer's insurer and title company became involved in evaluating the claims. Ridgegate suspended its proposed construction schedule on the disputed land pending resolution rather than risk further exposure.
Skye came home one evening to find June cleaning the porch steps with a stiff brush. Her grandmother's back was sore, and she had refused to ask for help because she was angry at feeling old.
"Give me that," Skye said, then stopped herself. "Would you like help?"
June handed over the brush with a surprised smile. "I would. Thank you for asking."
They worked without discussing the lawsuit. The porch boards needed repair, and Skye measured them for replacement. When she finished, June brought lemonade outside and asked to see the updated farm budget.
Skye had researched a local conservation program that could place voluntary restrictions on development while allowing certain agricultural uses and preserving family ownership. The program required appraisals, tax advice, careful drafting, and agreement by all owners. Nothing could be completed until title was clear. But it offered a possible path between selling everything and pretending the taxes would never rise.
"I don't want you working yourself sick for my dream," Skye said.
"Then let's decide together what the dream costs," June replied.
They considered leasing part of the lower field for pasture and improving the orchard as a small cooperative venture. The plan would not make them rich. It might cover maintenance and provide a structure for the land after June could no longer care for it.
At the next settlement conference Ridgegate proposed abandoning its claim to Skye's half-interest while negotiating to buy June's half. Skye could see the commercial logic. A developer who owned half could still create future conflicts, but Mason no longer appeared confident about acquiring the entire parcel.
June surprised everyone by rejecting the offer before Skye spoke.
"I considered selling a small piece because I needed options," she said. "I never agreed to sell my home. I want the title corrected first. Then I'll decide how to manage what's mine."
The mediator recorded the response. Mason looked frustrated but did not interrupt.
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Paige explained afterward that a partial settlement could still be explored, including compensation for expenses and a release of claimed interests, provided the documents were carefully reviewed. Skye felt relief for the first time in months. June hadn't merely been rescued from a transaction; she had reclaimed the right to make her own decisions.
That evening the court notified counsel that an evidentiary hearing on the validity of the contested documents had been scheduled. Skye looked at the calendar and realized they were finally approaching a decision that would depend on proof rather than pressure at the gate.
