“And all the while, Dunleavy has been collecting our rent, letting the building rot, and telling us the owner refused to pay for repairs.”

Nathaniel’s face turned a deep, angry red.

“He told me the tenants were being taken care of,” he said, his voice rising slightly.

“He showed me monthly reports,” he added, his fingers tightening into fists.

“He told me the property was being maintained through a separate subsidiary.”

“He lied to you,” I said. “And he terrorized me.”

“He told me that if I ever contacted you, he would make sure the police found the missing jewelry Elena had kept in her safe.”

“The jewelry she had actually gifted to me before she passed.”

“He had it all planned out,” I said.

Nathaniel looked at the yellowed paper in his hands, his thumb tracing his sister’s signature.

“She loved you,” he said softly. “She really did.”

“I loved her too,” I said, my eyes burning with tears I refused to let fall.

“But your family’s shadow has hung over my life for twelve years.”

“And now your lost wallet brings you right to my daughter.”