She took a slow sip of her tea, holding the warm ceramic against her palms.

“He sounds completely lost, George.”

I reached over and took her free hand.

Her skin was dry from the medical treatments, but her grip was firm.

“He’s trapped,” I said.

I told Evelyn about the bank ledgers Brenda had uncovered.

I explained the timeline, the property checks, and the real reason Samantha had demanded the hotel ballroom for the wedding.

Evelyn listened without interrupting.