His voice sounded loud, arrogant, and slightly slurred.

“I’m willing to be generous,” he continued.

“I don’t want this dragging out in court.”

“Are you?” I asked, staring at the blank television screen.

“Yes,” he said.

“I’ll let you keep the apartment.”

“And I’ll give you a lump sum of fifty thousand dollars once the estate clears.”

“That’s very kind of you,” I said, biting my tongue.

“But I think I’ll let my lawyer handle the negotiations.”

He laughed, a harsh, grating sound.

“Don’t be stupid, Avery,” he said.

“You can’t afford a real legal battle.”

“I have millions coming my way.”

“You have nothing.”

“We’ll see,” I said quietly.

“Just think about it,” he said.

“I’ll have my guy send over the paperwork tomorrow.”

He hung up without waiting for a reply.

I stared at the phone in my hand.

He had no idea what was coming.

The next morning, I woke up early.

I made a cup of black coffee and sat by the window.

The rain had stopped, leaving the trees dripping and glistening in the pale light.

My phone buzzed on the table.