She carried a thick, legal-sized folder.

We followed her into the small, wood-paneled probate conference room.

The room was cold.

A long mahogany table sat in the center under harsh fluorescent lights.

We took our seats on opposite sides of the table.

I sat between Jerome and Rachel.

Scott sat across from me, flanked by Sterling and Kayla.

Victoria Vance took her place at the head of the table.

“This is an emergency probate conference regarding the estate of Evelyn Collins,” Victoria began.

She opened her folder and adjusted her glasses.

“Mr. Carter has filed a motion to freeze the distribution of assets,” she said.

Sterling stood up immediately, leaning his hands on the table.

“This motion is frivolous, Victoria,” Sterling said. “The terms of Evelyn’s will are clear. My client is the sole beneficiary.”

“The terms are indeed clear, Mr. Sterling,” Jerome said quietly.

He opened his own briefcase and pulled out a stack of documents.

He didn’t look at Scott. He kept his eyes on Victoria.

“However, the trust contains a very specific moral clause,” Jerome continued.

Scott laughed, a short, sharp sound.