“The CFO is calling because the federal prosecutors have already frozen the corporate accounts.”

“They know about the Caymans.”

“They know about the dummy corporations Nathaniel Vale set up.”

Investigator Vance closed his notebook and tucked it into his pocket.

“Mrs. Sterling, I suggest you gather your coat,” he said.

“It is a cold night.”

Miranda stared at him, her lips parting but no words coming out.

I watched her, feeling no anger, only a deep, quiet sense of justice.

The maid’s apron I wore suddenly felt like a badge of honor.

I had cleaned her rooms, I had listened to her secrets, and now I was going to watch her leave.

The door to the library opened.

Elias Cross stepped into the room, leaning heavily on his silver-tipped cane.

His old eyes were bright, fixed entirely on Miranda.

“Twenty years, Miranda,” Elias said, his voice deep and steady.

“Twenty years I waited to see you in this room.”

Miranda did not answer.

She looked away, unable to meet his gaze.

Downstairs, the music suddenly stopped.

The muffled murmur of the crowd grew louder, rising up the grand staircase.