Chapter 8 - RYAN TRIED TO TURN DANIEL AGAINST EMMA
From jail, Ryan changed strategy.
He claimed Daniel invented the entire story because he wanted sole control of the family trust.
Then he claimed Emma manipulated Daniel.
Then he produced a text message.
Emma to Ryan:
If you ever need me, call. I’ll cover for you.
It looked terrible.
Until Emma found the original thread.
The message was four years old.
Ryan had asked her to help hide a surprise birthday trip for Daniel.
The next messages:
Ryan: He can’t know I booked the cabin.
Emma: Fine. If he asks why you called, I’ll cover for you.
Ryan: Best sister-in-law ever.
Ryan’s attorney had shown only one line.
Mara was unimpressed.
Then Ryan went further.
He accused Emma of having an affair with Owen.
No evidence.
No messages.
No meetings.
No motive.
Only insinuation.
Daniel heard it and laughed.
Ryan stared through the visitation glass.
“You think this is funny?”
Daniel answered:
“No. I think it’s familiar.”
“What?”
“You ruin something, then find a woman to blame.”
Ryan’s face hardened.
Daniel continued.
May you like
“You tried Mom first. Then Emma. Who’s next?”
For the first time, Ryan had no answer.
