Drive right up to the main portico.”

“Thank you, Ethan,” I said.

“We’re so glad you made the drive through the snow,” he added, his pitch-deck rhythm perfectly smooth.

“The staff will take your coat.”

The heavy iron gates swung open with a slow mechanical hum.

I drove up the winding driveway toward the huge timber-and-stone mansion glowing against the dark pines.

In the back seat, the four boys sat completely quiet, their navy wool coats buttoned to the collar.

I parked beside a row of luxury sedans, turned off the engine, and twisted around in my seat.