Whatever sympathy Adam might have felt for her fear of losing influence could not excuse what she had done to another person’s life.

PART 11

When Naomi returned to court with the updated evidence, she insisted that Clara understand what the documents meant and what they did not.

The pendant’s location had been established, but the records were not a magic switch that could erase every painful accusation.

They were facts that needed to be presented, authenticated, and considered by people whose duties were governed by law rather than sympathy.

Clara sat beside her at a conference table while Naomi spread out photographs of the green velvet box, copies of Victor Hale’s ledger, the gate log, and the storage company’s receipt.