Nathaniel took a step toward us, the leather of his shoes squeaking on the polished marble.

“My father used you to keep Brindlewood out of the bankruptcy courts,” Nathaniel said, looking from Julian to me.

“And then Arthur Dunleavy took over the management, kept the rent cash, and threatened to expose her past if she ever spoke up,” Julian added.

I looked down at Ruby, who was holding my hand tightly, her small fingers warm against my palm.

“I didn’t want the money,” I said. “I just wanted to raise my daughter in peace.”

“But peace has a price, Claire,” Julian said.

Nathaniel reached out and took the leather-bound book from Julian’s hands.

Julian didn’t resist; he simply watched with a thin, satisfied smirk.

Nathaniel flipped to the back page, his thumb tracing the embossed seal.

“This secondary clause is valid,” Nathaniel said.

He looked up at his security guard, who stood near the glass doors.

“Get Mr. Vance on the phone,” Nathaniel ordered. “Tell him to bring the corporate seal and the transfer deeds down to the lobby immediately.”

Julian’s smile faltered slightly.