He looked immaculate in a tailored charcoal suit, his hair styled perfectly.

Margaret sat beside him, wearing a cream-colored wool coat and a heavy gold necklace.

She was leaning in, whispering something in his ear.

When the door opened, Margaret looked up.

Her eyes swept over my cheap suit and my pale face.

She smiled, a small, tight curve of her lips that didn’t reach her cold eyes.

“Emma,” Margaret said. “You look tired.”

I didn’t answer her.

“Mrs. Parker,” Helen Vance said, addressing Margaret. “Only the parties to the litigation and their legal representatives are permitted in the deposition room. You’ll need to wait in the reception area.”

Margaret’s smile vanished.

“I am funding my son’s legal team, Ms. Vance,” Margaret said. “I have every right to be here.”

“Not under Colorado civil procedure, you don’t,” Helen said, holding the door open. “Please step out.”

Margaret looked at Ryan, expecting him to object.

Ryan didn’t look up from his phone.

With a sharp click of her heels, Margaret walked out of the room.

I sat down at the table across from Ryan.