Chapter 1 - The Cold Reality of Redwood CrestThe rain continued to pour down over the sweeping Boulder landscape, slicking the asphalt and soaking through Audrey’s jacket as she shielded newborn Maya in her arms.
Standing outside the locked keypad had shattered that illusion completely.
Garret wasn't just arrogant; he was careless enough to abandon his wife and a three-day-old infant in a storm, flying off to Miami with his mother as if he owned the keys to a kingdom he hadn't built. Her phone buzzed against the center console. It was Natalie, confirming that the cash buyer was standing by, ready to move forward with the acquisition of Redwood Crest under an expedited, quiet closing.
Audrey looked down at Maya, who stirred softly, completely unaware of the corporate and personal storm swirling around her. The helplessness Audrey had felt for three minutes on the porch evaporated, replaced by a cold, razor-sharp resolve. She shifted the car into drive, pulling away from the stone estate without looking back in the rearview mirror.
