“She knew I was pregnant before the divorce was finalized,” I said. “She knew about the triplets before I even had my first ultrasound.”

Vivian’s face went completely white under her heavy makeup.

“Arthur, get this woman out of my house,” Vivian commanded, her voice shrill.

“This is not your house anymore, Vivian,” I said quietly. “If we call in the loans tomorrow, this entire estate goes into receivership.”

Garrett turned fully toward his mother, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

“Did you know?” he asked her, his voice dangerously low.

“Garrett, please,” Vivian said, reaching out a hand. “I did what was necessary to protect the legacy. She was a nobody.”

“Did you forge her signature?” Garrett shouted, the anger finally bursting through his polished exterior.

Grandfather Bradford watched them, his expression turning grim.

“Silence,” the old man barked, but the authority in his voice was fraying.

“I want the truth, Mother,” Garrett said, ignoring his grandfather. “Did you hide my children from me?”

Outside, a bolt of lightning illuminated the room, throwing sharp, jagged shadows across the mahogany desk.