Josephine joined him on stage, radiant in an emerald gown.

“Effective immediately,” he said, “Josephine Ashford will inherit my entire estate upon my passing. This includes our family residence, currently valued at thirteen million dollars, and most importantly, the position of CEO of Ashford Holdings when I retire.”

The room erupted in cheers. There was a standing ovation. Camera flashes went off everywhere.

Josephine dabbed at her eyes with performative grace. Three hundred and fifty people celebrated her success. Not one of them glanced at table twenty-seven.

The cousin beside me, a woman I’d met at a funeral years ago, leaned over. “Cecily, right? So what does that mean for you?” she asked.

I opened my mouth to speak. I closed it again. What could I possibly say to her?