Chapter 7 - THE HOUSE APPRAISAL
Bellemont was appraised.
No one told me first.
A valuation firm came while I was at an obstetric appointment.
Adrian said insurance.
False.
The appraisal supported Crownline due diligence.
Why appraise a property Vellaro did not own?
Because the investor wanted to understand the importance of the leasehold and potential purchase value if Dad became willing to sell.
Reasonable.
Then the appraiser’s assumptions.
Potential tenant acquisition at negotiated market value.
Fine.
Expected cooperative landlord based on family relationship.
Not fine.
I called Dad.
“Are you selling Bellemont?”
“No.”
“Hotel land?”
“No.”
“East Yard?”
“Not currently.”
“Lakehouse?”
“Why are you asking?”
I sent him the appraisal extract.
Ten minutes later, his lawyer called Vellaro counsel.
Everything became formal.
Dad did not threaten eviction.
That would have been absurd and potentially a breach.
He requested clarification.
Vellaro counsel responded:
No assertion of ownership intended.
Transaction materials would be corrected.
Good.
Then Adrian came home furious.
“You embarrassed me.”
“I asked the owner whether he’s selling.”
“You went around me.”
“It isn’t your property.”
“You’re my wife.”
“That doesn’t make your lease my father’s obedience.”
His hand clenched.
Then released.
I noticed.
He noticed me noticing.
Neither said anything.
That was the first time I became afraid of him physically.
May you like
Not because he touched me.
Because I saw him decide not to.
