“Recordings can be misunderstood.”

“Signatures are harder.”

Dad finally sat. “We know about the sale.” There it was.

“How?”

“Our attorney reviewed your business records.” Elias would later question how Arthur had obtained that. At that moment, I only watched my parents.

Mom leaned forward. “Twelve million dollars, Meline.” She said the number with reverence. Not pride. Possession. “You allowed us to struggle while keeping that secret.”