“Don’t sell the shop because somebody pressures you.”

I smiled through tears.

“Dad.”

“I mean it.”

“I know.”

“That building is freedom, Evelyn.”

At twenty-nine, I thought he was being sentimental.

Years later, I understood exactly what he meant.

The property was mine alone.

No joint title.

No family trust.

No hidden ownership.

My father left it to me directly.

That was why the document inside Julian’s briefcase made no sense.