Chapter 33: Collins - A Desperate Plan to Save Toades
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Collins, Clarke, and their parents gather at the kitchen counter of Toades. Joanie tearfully confesses that she signed a contract with developer Sullivan, believing it was a non-binding precontract that allowed inspections and could be cancelled at any time. Clarke is furious, insisting she wants the shop, not money. Dex appears defeated. Brady, standing in the corner, has secretly called Boone for help. Boone arrives and explains that his brother's granddaughter's mother is a real estate lawyer. They FaceTime Amos Ryder and Cam Tucker. Cam reviews the contract and states it is legally binding, but she proposes an unorthodox plan: Joanie and Dex file for divorce to freeze all assets, preventing Sullivan from taking ownership. This would buy time to sue Sullivan for bad faith. The family agrees, and Dex says they should go file for divorce.
Key Events
- Joanie reveals she signed a binding contract with Sullivan, thinking it was a precontract.
- Clarke expresses her anger and her dream of taking over Toades.
- Brady called Boone, who arrives and offers help.
- Boone's brother Amos and lawyer Cam Tucker join via video call.
- Cam explains the contract is binding but devises a plan to freeze assets by filing for divorce.
- The family, after initial shock, agrees to the plan.
- Dex suggests they go file for divorce, showing their resolve.
Character Development
- Collins: Observes the crisis with growing emotional depth. Her internal monologue reveals her realization that she loves Brady—everything with him feels different. She also feels a deeper connection to her mother's history.
- Clarke: Stands firm in her identity and dreams, pushing back against her mother's assumption that she doesn't want the shop. Her vulnerability cracks through her usual composure.
- Joanie: Shows profound guilt and vulnerability, but also courage to accept a drastic plan to save her legacy.
- Dex: Experiences a moment of defeat, then rallies alongside Joanie, demonstrating partnership and willingness to follow a risky legal strategy.
- Brady: Acts as a quiet anchor. He called Boone without being asked, showing his protective instincts and deep care for Collins's family.
- Boone: Reinforces his role as a loyal friend and community pillar, using his family connections to bring legal help.
- Cam Tucker: Introduced as a competent, empathetic lawyer who is ready to fight for the underdog, offering her services pro bono.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Deception and Trust: The chapter highlights how Sullivan's firm used deceptive legal language to exploit trust. The Cartwrights must now decide whom to trust—their instincts or their lawyer.
- Family Legacy: Toades represents more than a business; it is the embodiment of Joanie's life work and the family's history. Saving it becomes a fight for their identity.
- Unconventional Solutions: Filing for divorce as a legal tactic underscores the theme that desperate times require creative, even unorthodox, measures.
- Sacrifice and Solidarity: The parents are willing to stage a divorce, risking their marital status publicly, to protect their family's future.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is a turning point in the novel. It shifts the external conflict from a vague threat to a concrete legal battle. It deepens Brady and Collins's relationship by showing Brady's proactive devotion. It introduces a formidable ally in Cam Tucker and sets up the central struggle against Sullivan. The chapter also forces each family member to confront what they truly value, bringing them closer together.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Cam Tucker suggest filing for divorce?
Cam suggests filing for divorce to legally freeze all assets owned jointly by Joanie and Dex. This prevents Sullivan from completing the purchase while the divorce proceedings are underway. The delay gives Cam time to build a lawsuit against Sullivan for bad-faith contracting.
2. How does this chapter change the family dynamics?
The crisis pushes Clarke to assert her desire to inherit Toades, resolving her parents' earlier uncertainty. Joanie and Dex show a united front despite the drastic plan, and Collins feels a renewed appreciation for her mother's sacrifices. Brady's behind-the-scenes help cements his place as part of the family.
3. What role does Boone play in the resolution?
Boone acts as a bridge between the Cartwrights and legal help. His connection to brother Amos and lawyer Cam provides the crucial resource the family lacks. His loyalty and willingness to drop everything to help underscore the theme of community support.