“What is it?” I asked, taking a step toward him.

He did not answer right away.

His eyes moved rapidly across the screen, his brow furrowing deeper with every line.

“It is a formal resolution,” Ethan said, his voice dropping to a low, cold register.

“From the executive committee?” Evelyn asked, her hand trembling against the mahogany.

“From Richard,” Ethan corrected, his eyes meeting mine.

He held the phone tighter, his knuckles turning white.

“He has called an extraordinary meeting of the board for tomorrow morning.”

“Why?” I asked, a cold knot tightening in my stomach.

Ethan looked down at Lily, who was now yawning and leaning against my leg.

“He has already drafted the termination papers,” Ethan said.

“He wants you and Lily off the estate by noon tomorrow, before the board even sits.”

The glass of the window rattled slightly as a gust of autumn wind swept across the Hudson Valley.

I reached down and lifted Lily into my arms, pulling her small, warm body against my chest.

She rested her chin on my shoulder, her eyelashes fluttering as she struggled to stay awake.