He peeked open one eye. "I maybe could have gotten us out of it a while ago. Selfish bastard," he reminded me.
I blinked twice. "You asshole."
"Hm, you like me." He guided me back down.
"I love you, actually."
"Say it again."
"I love you," I grinned.
He sighed again, this time through his nose. "I love you so much, Bee. More than you know."
"I can see that now, but what bomb are you talking about? In a contract?"
I glanced up at his handsome features, and his mouth curled into a devious smile. "When it goes off, you'll know."
Chapter thirty-five
Arabella
18 Months Later
Ob-Knox-ious:
Did you see this?
http://www.newseugstat.com/fjksacmdk993/realestate_mogul
Ipushed my sunglasses on my head and opened the link Knox had sent me. I was leaning against the rough, wooden post of the round pen while Spencer patiently led Spets around in a circle. There was a kid perched in the saddle, and I could hear Spencer encouraging the therapy patient, telling them that they were holding on and doing a great job. Honestly, it made my ovaries hurt.
The article pulled up, and I gave it my attention. My warm heart iced over immediately.
Eugene Real Estate Mogul Sylvia Rook Faces Blackmail and Extortion Charges
EUGENE, OREGON — Sylvia Rook, a prominent millionaire and real estate mogul based in Eugene, Oregon, is embroiled in scandal following allegations of blackmail, extortion, and fraudulent practices. Rook, 61, is accused of blackmailing her own daughter into entering a marriage to secure ownership of a valuable ranch property in Park City, Utah and of exploiting tenants across the Eugene area.
The allegations surfaced earlier this week when an anonymous whistleblower leaked a shocking legal contract that Rook had purportedly drawn up. The document, verified by investigative sources, included a carefully worded clause that permitted its public release under specific conditions—a detail that legal experts are calling an “unusually bold and potentially self-incriminating” move.
The leaked contract revealed Rook’s demands that her daughter marry a redacted individual as a condition for retaining ownership of her sprawling ranch. Legal analysts believe the clause allowing the contract’s disclosure was intended as a contingency plan for enforcement but has instead served as a catalyst for public scrutiny.
“This is a textbook case of coercion,” said legal analyst Dana Carver. “The inclusion of that clause—whether intentional or a miscalculation—has allowed these private dealings to become very public, leading to criminal exposure for Ms. Rook.”
In addition to the blackmail charges, Rook faces accusations of extorting tenants in her numerous rental properties. Reports allege that she leveraged her position to impose excessive fees and penalties on renters, often threatening eviction or legal action to extract payments beyond what was legally owed.
Local authorities have confirmed that Sylvia Rook has been formally charged with multiple counts of blackmail, coercion, extortion, and fraud. If convicted, she could face significant prison time, fines exceeding $250,000, and restitution payments to affected tenants.
Rook’s legal troubles don’t stop there. Civil lawsuits are reportedly being filed by several tenants who claim to have been victims of her extortion schemes.
Despite the mounting allegations, Sylvia Rook has declined to issue any public statements. Her legal team has yet to respond to media inquiries.
Public reaction to the revelations has been swift and harsh. Local community groups are calling for an investigation into all of Rook’s real estate dealings. “We’ve always known Sylvia Rook was powerful,” said one tenant advocate, “but now we’re seeing what happens when that power is abused.”
As investigations continue, the leaked contract has become a focal point of the case, serving as both evidence of Rook’s alleged coercion and a cautionary tale about the risks of overconfidence in legal maneuvering. The saga is far from over, but one thing is clear: Sylvia Rook’s empire is facing an unprecedented reckoning.
I looked up from the article with my blood pumping in my ears and my fingers tingling.Carefully worded clause?I locked eyes on Spencer, but he didn't see me, smiling up at the little girl with pigtails who was holding onto the pommel with one hand. The other was curled in her lap as a result of her cerebral palsy, and Spencer kept one hand held out to ensure that she kept her balance.
I texted Knox instead.
