Jason looked toward the double doors, but the two security guards stepped forward, blocking his path.

“You’re done, Jason,” Vivian said, her voice cutting through the damp air.

“You have disgraced this family, and you have tried to murder my grandson.”

Two state troopers in grey uniforms stepped into the library from the hall behind Vivian.

They walked past the guards and approached Jason.

“Jason Thornton, you are under arrest for attempted murder and conspiracy,” the lead trooper said.

Jason did not fight them.

His shoulders slumped, his eyes staring blankly at the floor as the metal handcuffs clicked around his wrists.

They led him out of the room, his boots dragging slightly on the hardwood floor.

The heavy doors closed behind them, leaving only the five of us in the library.

My father stepped forward, his face flushed with a mixture of fear and greed.

“Vivian,” my father began, his voice shaking. “Our agreement. The debts.”

Vivian did not look at him. She looked at Pendelton.

“Mr. Pendelton, draw up the paperwork immediately,” Vivian said.

“Every debt owed by this man’s company to the Thornton estate is to be voided.”