Leilani turned, breathing hard, face pale. “Tutu, I can explain…”
But Nakoa’s attention had already shifted.
He was glaring directly at Cal.
“You’reat thecenterof all this?” he said, voice rising. “You’rethe one behind this plan?”
Cal shook his head. “No—I didn’t know—”
Nakoa exploded. “This isyourdoing? Your name is all over the documents!”
“It’s not what you think,” Cal said quickly. “Yes, my name’s on some of the paperwork. But Hal kept the rest buried. I never would have signed up to this knowing the land was yours.”
“You came into our home,” Kimo said, pointing a finger at him. “You sat at our table. And this whole time you were planning to wipe us off the map?”
Cal looked like he’d been punched. “I wasn’t… I didn’t know. I wouldnever—”
“Howdareyou,” Nakoa shouted. “Howdareyou stand there and act like you’re not responsible?”
“I’m not—” Cal’s voice broke. “I swear to God, I didn’t know.”
With a swagger that was nothing short of sickening, Hal stood from his chair and moved to Cal’s side. “Oh, come on. This is all a bit dramatic. Cal and I aren’t here to listen to your family sob stories. We’re just here to close a deal and—”
“Oh, shut up,” Tutu snapped. “Everyone, stop talking for one moment.”
Nakoa took a breath to raise his voice again, but Tutu raised a hand and silenced him instantly.
“No, Nakoa,” she said, her voice low and deliberate. “We are not going to shout. We are not going to fight onhisterms. We need to know the truth.”
Her eyes turned to Cal.
“Tell me,” she said. “Did you know this land was ours?”
Cal straightened, his voice steady. “No. I didn’t.”
“Are you speaking the truth,” she asked. “Or are you just trying to save face in front of my granddaughter?”
Cal met her eyes. “I didn’t know,” he said again. “I trusted Hal to handle the details. That was my mistake. But I didn’t know. I never would have done this if I’d known.”
Tutu held his gaze. And for a moment, the room stilled.
Then—she gave the smallest nod.
Not forgiveness. Not yet.
But something close.
Then she turned to Hal.
“You,” she said, her voice suddenly ice. “I don’t know what kind of man builds wealth by burying other people’s legacies… but I hope you live long enough to watch it all fall.”
Hal opened his mouth—but for once, no words came out.
Until Cal stepped away from him.
Just one step.
That was all it took.
