The heavy parchment felt solid, like a weapon I was finally ready to use.

I thought about my mother, Helen, who had helped cover up the truth about these deeds.

I thought about my father, Arthur, who had secretly colluded with Gavin behind my back.

And I looked at my sister, who was still trying to bargain with the wreckage of my life.

I felt a cold, hard resolve settle deep in my chest.

I knew exactly what these deeds meant, and I knew I did not need Brooke’s terms to get my revenge.

“I’ll think about it,” I said, keeping my voice flat and emotionless.

“Don’t take too long,” Brooke said, her voice turning sharp again. “Gavin is desperate, and he has people looking for those papers.”

“He won’t find them,” I said, slipping the documents into my bag.

Daniel stepped forward, looking nervously toward the stairs. “Emily, we need to leave. If Arthur finds us here—”

Before he could finish his sentence, the heavy wooden door at the top of the stairs clicked open.

A shaft of bright, warm light cut through the gloom of the basement.