Everyone knows that.

I’ve already engaged an auction house to appraise the entire property.” He looked at me with open contempt.

“And I certainly don’t know why you’ve brought the maid.”

“You were the conditional heir, Mr.

Abernathy,” Samuel corrected him, unruffled, and drew a thick sheaf of legal documents from his briefcase and held them out.

“There is a difference, and it is an important one.