A soft click sounded through the room’s high-end speakers.

A voice began to play.

It was Eleanor’s voice, clear and cold.

“Make sure the girl doesn’t talk,” the recording said.

The board members leaned forward, their faces turning pale.

“I don’t care what it takes,” Eleanor’s voice continued from the speaker. “The siblings are a liability. If they find the papers, the entire estate is forfeit.”

The recording went silent.

The boardroom was so quiet I could hear the rain tapping against the thick glass windows.

Eleanor stood perfectly still.

Her face had turned a dull, chalky grey under her makeup.

“That is a manipulation of my voice,” Eleanor said, though her tone lacked its usual strength.

“It is a digital recording, verified by our security team,” Nathan said.

Mr. Sterling looked up from the paper will, his eyes fixed on Eleanor.

“Eleanor,” Mr. Sterling said. “Is this signature your husband’s?”

He pointed to the bottom of the original document.

“It is,” Nathan said before she could answer. “And the notary who signed it is waiting downstairs.”

A collective gasp rose from the board members.