And in that silence, the picture of a united family — the one she had spent years painting — came apart in front of the people who had believed in it.

Chapter 9 — The Meeting Adjourned

Bettina closed her binder with a soft click.

“If you contest Emlyn Cardew’s will, we will file criminal complaints for forgery, grand larceny, and fraud, and petition the probate court to freeze every asset tied to the estate.”

Mr.

Hollingworth stood and buttoned his jacket.

“I believe this meeting is adjourned.” “It is,” I said.

“It ended the moment you realized I wasn’t an easy target.” I turned to go, then stopped at Fergus.