Hiding in the Devil's Bed (by Malea Cox) novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Walter and Melissa hurried to the Bureau of Land Management clinging to a desperate sliver of hope that they could salvage the property at Stonefield before it officially changed hands. That land wasn’t just prime real estate. It was the future lifeline of both the Edwards and Foster families,

The moment Walter stepped out of the car, he barked. “Zachary who’s behind this? Who snatched our land?”

Zachary, who had arrived moments earlier, looked utterly defeated. “Eric won’t tell me who the buyer is. I’ve been camping out here to find out.”

Walter’s jaw tightened, his words seething through clenched teeth. “Whoever it is, we’ll take the land back–no matter what.” “Dad… we don’t have enough money,” Sandra, standing timidly behind Zachary, reminded him in a low voice.

The new buyer had paid an eye–watering $300 million in cash upfront. Even if they managed to block the sale, they couldn’t come close to matching that sum

“How much can your family pull together right now? Walter asked, his mind racing. He was prepared to beg, borrow, or bleed to make this work. In three months, that land will be worth ten times this. Three hundred million becomes three

billion

“$120 million–at most,” Zachary replied, frustration and rage written all over his face.

Walter fell silent at the mention of the figure. He knew all too well the gravity of the situation.

He was aware that if he emptied every account, sold every asset, and squeezed every resource he could muster, the Edwards family might come up with $90 million. Originally, his plan was to sell Debra’s inheritance for $60 million, and have the Edwards and Foster families each contribute $150 million.

But now, with this unforeseen setback, he considered letting the Foster family shoulder more of the burden to secure the deal.

Instead, the Foster family could only stretch to 120 million dollars, leaving a glaring 90 million–dollar gap. Walter was left scrambling for a solution, but the money just wasn’t there. There was no way he could raise that much money in such a

short time.

“Zachary, talk to your father, Melissa interjected, her tone dripping with urgency. “See if he can stretch it further. We’ll cover 30%, and you guys can take 70%. Future profits will be split three to seven.”

Even a 30% share would mean $1 billion for the Edwards family a windfall that would ensure their future comfort and prestige.

“I already asked. He said no. There’s no more money to give, Zachary said, shaking his head wearily.

The value of the property at Stonefield was no secret to the Foster family. Thanks to multiple insider connections in Lunova, they knew the land’s price would skyrocket in just three months.

Zachary had been counting on this deal, believing it was all but guaranteed. All he needed was the money. That was why he had tried to expedite his marriage to Amelia–to tap into Debras inheritance and secure the funds

Who would’ve thought Amelia would escape, and now the land is gone, tou? If my father finds out, he’ll punish me for sure -maybe even strip me of my inheritance, Zachary thought, panic washing over him, feeling more cornered and powerless

“Mrs. Kingsley, this way, please,” a polite voice suddenly called ca.

Amelia stepped out. She was composed and expressionless, her petite frame radiating an unshakable determination. Together, she and Aaron made their way toward the Bureau of Land Management.

“Buying what land?” Sandra demanded, rushing over with wide eyes, her tone frantic.

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