“Keep the deadbolts locked,” I told her. “Do not let Graham in if he comes home early.”

Maria nodded, her face grave. “I understand, Ms. Jocelyn.”

I went to my dressing room and opened the closet.

I chose a tailored black silk dress with long sleeves and a high neckline.

It was simple, elegant, and entirely different from the bright, expensive gowns Gloria usually demanded I wear.

I put on a pair of plain pearl earrings.

My phone buzzed on the vanity.

It was a text from Arthur.

*The final foreclosure documents on the Ralston holdings are signed and recorded. You officially own the paper on their family estate. It is finished.*

I stared at the message, then deleted it.

I took a deep breath, grabbed my small black clutch, and walked down to the waiting town car.

The driver, a quiet man named Marcus whom I had employed through Apex for three years, opened the door for me.

“To the Ritz, Ms. Vance?” he asked.

“Yes, Marcus,” I said. “The Ritz.”

The drive through Highland Park was quiet.