I smiled.

I had become careful about how I described results.

The trust’s improved net yield didn’t make me a financial genius.

The mansion’s operating efficiencies didn’t mean every expense should be reduced.

The hospital pledge didn’t become mine because I helped organize charitable events.

And Arthur’s fortune wasn’t something I could simply treat as unlimited personal spending money.

The documents established responsibilities.

The records allowed us to check performance.

I found comfort in that.

My old life had been built on appearances.