Chapter 2 - Redwood Capital
The heater in Franklin’s old Ford Crown Victoria groaned as he drove away from the glittering estate of River Oaks. He parked in the empty lot of a twenty-four-hour diner, the neon sign buzzing overhead. He looked in the rearview mirror at his reflection. His left cheek was already swelling, a dark, angry purple hematoma forming beneath his eye.
But Franklin didn't feel pain. He felt an incredible, crystalline clarity.
For forty years, Franklin had built the infrastructure of Texas. He had poured concrete in the brutal July heat, negotiated labor disputes with union bosses, and survived three major economic collapses. He knew how to read people, and more importantly, he knew how to read structures. He had let Brandon believe he was a self-made mogul, letting him run a shell subsidiary of his old construction firm while giving him the keys to the River Oaks mansion as a "wedding gift."
But Franklin was a builder. And a master builder never puts his own name on a structure he wants to keep safe from liabilities.
He opened his glove compartment and pulled out a leather-bound folder. Inside was the corporate filing for Redwood Capital LLC.
Entity NameSole Managing MemberAsset Under ManagementDeed RegistrationRedwood Capital LLCFranklin Reeves (100% Shares)1412 River Oaks BlvdOwned Outright (No Mortgage)
To Brandon and Amber, the house was their personal kingdom. They had spent the last five years remodeling the kitchen with Italian marble, building an infinity pool, and hosting high-society fundraisers. They had bragging rights to a six-million-dollar property in Houston's most exclusive zip code.
But they had never looked at the county tax assessor's database. They had never checked the deed. They simply assumed that because Franklin had handed them the keys and said, "This is for you," the legal transfer had occurred. They mistook a temporary license to occupy for absolute ownership.
Franklin pulled out his phone. It was 11:30 PM. He sent a single text message to his personal attorney and lifelong friend, Marcus Vance.
Franklin: Marcus. Prepare the Redwood liquidation files. We are selling River Oaks. Fast cash buyer only. I don't care about the margin.
May you like
Marcus (replying instantly): Are you sure, Frank? That's Brandon's place.
Franklin: Brandon doesn't live there anymore. He just doesn't know it yet.
