Julian opened his mouth, closed it, and tugged at his collar with two fingers.

Uncle Raymond took a step away from Julian, his eyes fixed on the blue folders lying open under the lamp.

“Who paid the twenty-eight-thousand-dollar bill at Crescent Jewelers in November, Julian?” I asked gently.

The room fell completely silent except for the faint hum of the small refrigerator in the kitchen.

Julian adjusted his gold watch band again, his knuckles turning pale against the leather strap.

“That was a private anniversary purchase for Serena,” Julian said, his voice tight and strained.