I looked down at the key in her hand.

“Why are you here now?” I asked.

“Because of the dress,” Evelyn said.

“When I saw the news about the Celestia gown, I knew you were fighting back.”

“Your mother left this with me the week before she died.”

“She told me to keep it safe until the Ashfords showed their true intentions.”

I reached out and took the cold brass key from her palm.

My fingers brushed her skin, which was rough and cold.

“Thank you, Evelyn,” I said.

“There is a locked drawer in her writing desk,” she said.

“The false bottom contains the original, unamended copy of the Bennett Trust.”

“The one Harrison and Beatrice claimed was destroyed in the fire.”

“It proves that the Ashford Foundation has no legal right to Aster Hall.”

A gust of wind rustled the leaves of the weeping willow above us.

“We have to go inside,” I said, turning back toward the house.

“No,” Evelyn said, stepping back into the shadows.

“My part is done, Vivian.”

“Grace is waiting for you in the conservatory.”