Judith stopped drumming her nails.

She lifted her porcelain teacup, took a careful sip and put the cup back on the saucer with a loud click.

She didn’t look at my face.

She turned her body a little toward the garden doors, showing me the stiff back of her silk blouse.

“Cole needs a family foundation that protects his corporate standing,” Judith said in a cold, controlled voice.

“Not a wife who questions legal filings she can’t understand.”