“We have a right to protect ourselves, Sophia,” he said. “Ryan’s situation is urgent, and we are a family.”

“There is nothing left in that box for you,” I said, shaking my head.

Ethan laughed softly, a dry, grating sound that filled the quiet room.

“We know there are other accounts,” he said. “We know about the offshore trust and the properties.”

I let out a shaky sigh and looked him directly in the eyes.

“I will make you a deal, Ethan,” I said.

He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing as he sensed an opportunity.

“What kind of deal?” he asked.

“I will give you two hundred thousand dollars,” I said.

He blinked, his smug expression faltering for a fraction of a second.

“Two hundred thousand,” he repeated, swallowing hard.

“In a certified bank draft, from my personal account, within forty-eight hours,” I said.

“That’s not enough to cover all of Ryan’s debts,” Ethan said, though his voice had lost its edge.

“It is more than you will ever get if we drag this through probate court for the next five years,” I countered.