“If you take this money, you buy your brother a partnership at his firm,” Cassandra said.

She walked closer, her shoes clicking on the hardwood.

“You buy your mother the house in Bethesda she’s been eyeing since your father died,” she said.

“And if I don’t?” I asked.

“Then your mother’s debts become public knowledge,” Cassandra said.

She didn’t raise her voice, which made the threat sound even more clinical.

“I know about the second mortgage, Grace,” she said. “I know about the credit lines she opened in your name.”

My breath caught in my throat.

I had suspected my mother’s finances were in trouble, but I hadn’t known the details.

“She would do anything to keep up appearances,” Cassandra said. “Including signing things she shouldn’t have.”

“You went through my mother’s records,” I said.

“I protect my family,” Cassandra said. “I suggest you start protecting yours.”

She reached down, took her wet coat off the chair, and slung it over her arm.

“The offer is good until nine o’clock tomorrow morning,” she said.

“And if I refuse?” I asked.