Chapter 14 - Closing the LedgerOn Monday morning, Alistair Vance returned to the keeper's cottage.
This time, he didn't wear his overcoat. He sat at the oak kitchen table alongside Daniel and Mara, spreading out three thick stacks of legal parchment filled with dense financial legalese.
Daniel reviewed every clause carefully, checking the property boundaries, ensuring the separation of the commercial west wing was legally binding, and confirming that no residual liability remained tied to their personal names.
"Everything looks correct," Daniel said, picking up the heavy fountain pen.
"It's a clean break, Mr. Hartley," Alistair confirmed, pushing a final signature page toward him. "The bank takes the commercial stables and the west wing. The residential deed is fully cleared and recertified in your name alone."
Daniel signed his name with a steady, unhurried hand. Daniel Hartley.
Mara signed beside him. Mara Hartley.
Alistair gathered the documents, slid them neatly into his leather portfolio, and stood up, extending his hand across the table.
"Pleasure doing business with you, Daniel. Though I sincerely hope I never have to drive down this muddy track again."
Daniel shook his hand firmly. "Likewise, Alistair. Drive safely."
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As the banker’s car rumbled away down the gravel lane, Daniel walked out onto the stone porch and took a long, deep breath of the moorland air.
The heavy stone anchor that had dragged at his family for generations had finally been cut loose. Wrenford Hall was no longer a suffocating corporate machine, nor was it a sinking ship. It was simply a house—waiting for them to reclaim its rooms with laughter, peace, and love.
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