Vance reached into his briefcase one last time and took out a single sheet stamped with a raised gold seal.

“Judge Vance signed a temporary suspension of executor powers at nine fifteen at the county courthouse,” Vance said, setting the document down in front of Dean.

Dean looked down at the gold seal, his jaw clenched.

“Clara, you’re exposing our family name to public scandal all over the county.”

“You exposed our family to this six years ago, Dean,” I said, holding my silver ring still on my finger.

Mr.