A cousin asked whether the Crestmont contract was the only thing keeping the estate out of foreclosure.

The manager answered grimly that it had been their only lifeline.

“Shut your mouth!” Leticia hissed at him — but he had managed the property for fifteen years, and he was only now learning there had been a secret six-figure loan filed behind his back, and he would not be quiet about it any longer.

Then Xiomara’s voice cut across the room, high and cracking.

“Mom.

Tell me you didn’t use my wedding money to cover the manor’s debt.”