“I need to check the exact measurements upstairs before I sign,” I said, keeping my voice flat and even.

“It’s just standard paperwork for the insurance company, Vivian,” he said.

I folded the three sheets, put them in my cardigan pocket, and left my cider untouched on the table.

Upstairs in the master bedroom, I unclasped the teardrop diamond pendant from my neck and laid it on the nightstand.

The diamond pendant lay heavy and cold on the nightstand beside the unsigned property release.

Chloe spread the state corporate charter records across her glass desk at nine fifteen the next morning.