Chapter Two

Sonya breaks from paperwork to let Yoda and Pye outside and to greet Cleo, who sets up to paint a “dreamy” pergola scene. The day feels peaceful despite the house’s dark history. Sonya clears her head by the sea, reflects on inheriting the manor, then joins Cleo in the garden as Cleo finishes a luminous watercolor.

While Sonya prepares snacks, hostile door slams erupt, and Clover counters with music. Over lemonade, Cleo reports that Jack’s ghost laughed and played fetch with Yoda, a hopeful sign. The friends discuss the escalating hauntings and the hidden portraits series, resolve to search the house for clues, and choose Collin’s office as a respectful starting point.

In Collin’s office, Sonya opens his computer with provided passwords while Cleo sorts impeccably labeled files. They plan to print, box legal items for the Doyles, wipe the drive, and repurpose the desktop as a guest station. Sonya finds Collin kept birthdays, anniversaries, and an extensive file on her life, with supportive notes, revealing he intended to reconnect. They also find his annual charitable donations and vow to continue them.

They note Clover’s musical choice—“God Bless the Child”—and move to the shelves and a carved cabinet full of photos and clippings. Sonya proposes transforming the cursed Gold Room into a Poole Family and Friends photo gallery after Dobbs is expelled, turning darkness to light and including images of her father and parents’ wedding.

Trey and Owen arrive with dinner. Over lobster rolls on the deck, Sonya and Cleo recount the day: Collin’s organization, the plan for the guest desktop, the donations, and the gallery. Owen affirms keeping Collin’s historic desk and cabinet; Trey arranges donation memorials. With dogs and the cat playing in the yard and Clover’s upbeat music, the group’s bond and confidence grow, resolving to keep living well while pushing Dobbs out.