Chapter 12 - The Unexpected Witness
Another knock echoed through the apartment.
This time it wasn't impatient.
It was careful.
Rachel looked toward me.
"More visitors?"
"I wasn't expecting anyone."
The security officer opened the door slightly.
Outside stood an elderly man carrying a worn leather briefcase.
He wore round glasses and a navy raincoat.
The moment Mark saw him, he whispered,
"It can't be..."
The old man smiled politely.
"Good evening."
He looked directly at me.
"Mrs. Dawson?"
"I still use that surname."
He nodded.
"My name is Harold Peterson."
Rachel's eyes widened.
"The notary?"
Harold smiled.
"We've met before."
Rachel shook his hand.
"It's been years."
Mark immediately moved toward the door.
"You have no reason to be here."
Harold ignored him.
Instead, he opened his briefcase and removed an old notebook.
"I received an unexpected phone call this afternoon."
"From who?" I asked.
He looked at Vanessa.
"Actually..."
Vanessa raised an eyebrow.
"I never called you."
"I know."
Harold smiled mysteriously.
"The call came from someone who preferred not to identify themselves."
Everyone exchanged confused looks.
"They suggested I might soon be asked questions regarding the Dawson divorce settlement."
Rachel frowned.
"So you brought your records."
"I always keep records."
He placed several certified copies onto the dining table.
"I witnessed every signature that day."
Mark's breathing became uneven.
Harold continued.
"Mr. Dawson appeared to be in a hurry."
Vanessa nodded knowingly.
"He was."
"He repeatedly declined my offer to read the documents before signing."
Emma looked toward Mark.
"You didn't even read them?"
Harold answered before he could.
"Not a single page."
Rachel smiled.
"I remember."
Harold pointed toward one particular document.
"This page specifically explains that ownership of the apartment becomes permanent, unconditional, and irreversible."
Emma whispered,
"Irreversible..."
Harold nodded.
"I explained that aloud."
Everyone looked at Mark.
He slowly lowered his head.
"I wasn't listening."
"No," Harold replied gently.
"You were texting someone."
Vanessa sighed.
"I think I know who."
Harold closed the notebook.
"My testimony will remain available should any legal dispute arise."
Then he looked at me kindly.
"I remember telling you something after Mr. Dawson left."
"You did."
"What was it?" Emma asked.
I smiled faintly.
"He told me..."
I paused.
"...that sometimes the person who rushes to win loses everything without realizing it."
Harold nodded.
May you like
"I still believe that."
---
