“It is registered with the state forestry department,” Alden said. “I found the original registry entry this morning.”

Graham stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the hardwood floor.

“You don’t have the authority to speak for the estate, Alden,” Graham said.

“Actually, he does,” Harper Sloane said from the corner of the room.

Harper leaned forward, her eyes fixed on the blue-backed document.

“As the listing broker, I have to review any encumbrances,” Harper said.

“If this easement is valid, the land cannot be subdivided or developed.”

Marisol’s hand hovered over the document but did not touch it.

“Is this true, Graham?” Marisol asked.

“My sister is bluffing,” Graham said, his face turning a deep, angry red.

“She found some old draft that was never finalized.”

“It was finalized,” I said, tapping the silver notary seal on my copy.

“Eleanor paid the registry fee herself, using her private account.”

“And she did it because she knew exactly what you and Celeste would try to do after she died.”

Celeste leaned toward Marisol, her voice dropping to a low, urgent whisper.