“You were selling them, Vivian.”

“We were securing offers,” Vivian corrected me sharply, her eyes flashing with a sudden, cold anger.

“Cole advised us that finding buyers during the probate window was standard practice for high-value liquid assets.”

“He told us the funds would be held in an escrow account until the court finalized the distribution.”

She looked back at Malcolm, her expression shifting back to a mask of aristocratic innocence.

“If there was a technical error in the timing of the physical transport, it was purely on Mr. Brantley’s advice.”

“We are not wine merchants, Deputy.”

“We trusted a certified professional to guide us through these administrative hurdles.”

Evan nodded quickly, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.

“Exactly,” Evan said. “Cole said the paperwork was standard.”

“He said he had the authority to process the preliminary transfers.”

“I only signed what he told me to sign to keep the auction house from backing out.”

Sloane let out a sharp, mocking laugh from the corner of the room, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.