“Take this upstairs to his desk right now,” I said.

“Have him witness my signature and stamp every page with his official seal.”

Chloe swallowed hard, holding the papers against her ribs.

“Aunt Margaret, I’m so sorry.”

“Take them upstairs, Chloe,” I said gently.

She turned and ran back toward the elevators, her shoes squeaking on the marble floor.

Eight minutes later, Chloe came back.

She handed me the thick bundle, each page bearing a crisp red embossed seal and a fresh blue ink signature in the margin.