We set a trap.

I told Alan I was ready to sign. He arrived at the ranch confident, documents prepared, already imagining his victory. Instead, he walked into a room filled with Meridian executives, lawyers, and security. His lies unraveled in minutes. The assault. The fraud. The extortion. All documented.

He left in disgrace—restrained, exposed, and finished.

Then came the hardest part: telling Avery the truth. About the ranch. About Alan. About how he had convinced her I was losing my mind. The final blow shattered her—Alan was still legally married to another woman. Their marriage was invalid.

Avery came home. Slowly, painfully, she rebuilt herself. She learned the truth not only about Alan—but about strength, trust, and boundaries. In time, Meridian sold her the ranch outright. The land returned to our family, honestly this time.