“He took exactly what he believed he was entitled to,” I said, keeping my voice calm and even.

“That sounds like a legal answer, not a personal one,” she said.

“It’s an accurate answer,” I replied.

Natalie tilted her head further, her brow creasing slightly as she listened.

“He told me you lived a very quiet, solitary life in Colorado Springs with no family ties or remaining obligations.”

“Ethan believes whatever suits his current plans,” I said.

A waiter stepped between our tables and set down two white porcelain cups of black coffee, breaking the space between us.

“If there’s something important I should know before we sit down to Christmas Eve dinner, I’d rather hear it straight from you,” Natalie said, leaning forward a little.