As chairman of the family investment group, he was accustomed to discussing people as though they were assets or liabilities.

He tried it again that afternoon.

“An adoption file is confidential for a reason.

Some people will say anything when they want money.”

“Then you’ll have no objection to me asking a lawyer what happened,” I answered.

Gwen sat in the leather chair beside my desk.

“We only wanted you to have a family,” she said.

Her voice trembled, but I was no longer sure whether it was sadness or fear.