“My name is on the original partnership agreement.”

“My father provided the seed money.”

Valerie tugged on his linen sleeve.

“Richard, please,” she whimpered.

“It’s too hot. I want to go to a hotel.”

“Shut up, Valerie,” he snapped, jerking his arm away.

She looked at him, shocked, her eyes filling with tears.

He didn’t look at her.

He kept his eyes locked on mine.

“I’ll have my lawyers break this trust by Monday morning,” he said.

“We’ll see,” I said.

I turned back to the station wagon.

I opened the door and climbed inside.

Through the glass, I saw Richard walk to the wooden stake.

He ripped the plastic envelope from the wood.

He tore it open, scanning the documents inside.

The chauffeur stood by the open door of the limousine, looking down at his shoes.

I started the engine.

I backed the station wagon out of the driveway, leaving them in the empty field.

We drove down the long hill in silence.

The kids didn’t say a word until we reached the highway.

“Are you okay, Mom?” Dylan asked.

“I’m fine,” I said.