She turned toward our table, her dark eyes resting on me for a long, quiet moment.

“Mrs.

Vance,” Judge Norris said, “when this court met six weeks ago, your counsel indicated that ninety-five thousand dollars in business capital and trust funds was unaccounted for.”

Martha stood up beside me, resting her open fountain pen on the legal pad.

“My client is prepared to hear the proposed terms under oath, Your Honor,” Martha said smoothly.

Julian turned his head, a quick, triumphant grin spreading across his face before he caught himself and looked back at the judge.

Clara let out a small, satisfied sigh from the row behind him, twisting her emerald ring against her knuckle.