“First, your clients will sign a formal, notarized waiver of all claims to the estate of Helen Vance,” Arthur said. “Second, Ethan Miller will sign the uncontested divorce agreement we drafted last month, waiving any claim to marital assets or the suburban residence.”

Arthur placed two documents on the table.

“If these are signed today, my client will agree not to press criminal charges,” Arthur said.

Ethan looked at the papers.

He looked at his mother, who was staring at the table in silence.

“If I sign this, it’s over?” Ethan asked.

“It is over,” Arthur said.

Ethan reached out and took the pen from his lawyer’s hand.

His hand shook as he signed his name on the divorce papers.

He signed the waiver next.

Ryan signed his waiver after him, his signature a small, hurried scrawl.

Linda did not look at any of us as they stood up to leave.

She walked out of the room first, her heels clicking quickly on the tiled floor.

Ethan stopped at the door and looked back at me.

“I’m sorry, Sophia,” he said.

I did not answer him.