The attorney opened his leather briefcase on the large mahogany desk in the center of the room.

He pulled out a thick stack of legal documents and laid them flat.

“The press is already gathering at the gates,” Arthur said, looking at Grandfather Bradford.

“Two local news vans are parked on the main road, and social media is beginning to react to the disruption of the ceremony.”

Vivian closed her eyes, rubbing her temples.

“This will ruin us,” she whispered. “The stock price is already volatile. If this gets out, the board will panic.”

Grandfather Bradford raised his hand, silencing his daughter-in-law.

He looked at me, his gray eyes cold and analytical.

“Clara,” the old man said, using my name for the first time. “You are a businesswoman. You understand how the world works.”

“I do,” I replied, keeping my posture straight.

“We are prepared to offer you a private settlement,” Grandfather Bradford said.

He gestured to the papers on the desk.

“Arthur has drafted the preliminary terms,” the old man continued. “Five million dollars for each boy, placed in a restricted trust.”