“Vivian should have thought of her health before she helped you falsify the estate inventory,” I said.

“Think about the estate, Claire,” Evan urged, his voice dropping further.

“If you drag this into court, the public will know about the family debts your grandfather tried to hide.”

“My grandfather didn’t hide anything,” I said.

“He protected the estate from people like you.”

“You’re being emotional,” he said, a familiar patronizing tone creeping into his voice.

“I am being precise,” I replied.

“And I am being thorough.”

I saw the sweat glistening on his temples under the harsh chamber lights.

He looked back at the closed door, as if hoping his mother would walk through and save him.

Evan’s mouth opened, but no sound came out.

He looked at Lydia, then back at me, realization finally dimming his eyes.

“You think you have everything figured out,” he whispered.

“But Cole Brantley won’t testify. His lawyers will tie this up for years.”

“Cole Brantley has already signed a statement,” Lydia said, her voice cool and steady.

“He gave the deputy his ledger of the illegal wine transactions, including the ones your mother authorized.”