Penelope took her seat and cleared her throat to get everyone’s attention.

“I will now read the last will and testament of Everett Montgomery, including the legal modifications made prior to his passing.”

As the reading went on, everything unfolded exactly as Penelope had predicted.

The house, the stocks, and the investments were split, with forty percent appearing to go to Calvin and Tabitha for their supposed support.

Tabitha let out a small squeal of delight and squeezed Calvin’s arm in triumph.

“I told you he knew who his real friends were!”

I stayed perfectly still and waited for the trap to spring.

“However,” Penelope continued in a cold voice, “there is a codicil, signed three days before Mr. Montgomery’s death.”

The smile froze on Tabitha’s face.