“This document confirms the full release of all remaining claims against the seventeen-million-dollar lake property,” Vance said, speaking to Victoria directly.

“In exchange for thirty days of transition access and a full release from corporate debt liabilities.”

Victoria looked at the heavy stone front porch, then out toward the tree line near Lake Anne, where Walter’s unpainted fishing boat was tied under the dock.

She looked down at the paper, where Walter’s irrevocable trust seal was stamped in red ink beside Vance’s signature.

She reached out and took the brass pen from Vance’s hand.