Close the book.”

Pembroke set his wine glass down very carefully.

He looked from Victoria’s empty ring setting to the thick legal binder in Vance’s hands, then turned his gaze straight on me.

“Is there an active cloud on the title to this property, Vance?” Pembroke asked.

“There is no cloud,” Victoria said, her voice rising an octave.

“My late husband left me in complete charge of this estate, like any loving partner would.

Avery has a small fifteen percent share in the construction equipment yard, and nothing more.”