I straightened my back, steeling myself for whatever this visit entailed. The eldest, Richard, was the first to speak, his voice carrying the weight of unspoken history. “Catherine, we didn’t expect to see you here so soon,” he said, eyes narrowing slightly. His words were polite, but his tone had an edge, a hint of something unsaid.
“I received the keys yesterday,” I replied, my voice steady yet guarded. “Joshua wanted me to see the farm before deciding on its future.”

The three men exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing amongst them. “There’s more to this place than you might realize,” Richard said carefully, as if choosing his words with precision. “Joshua’s investment was significant, not just financially but personally.”“What do you mean?” I asked, my curiosity piqued despite thetension.