“I was waiting for the rightful heir to reach her majority,” Nathaniel said.

“And for the original documents to be secured.”

The rain beat down on the stone balustrade behind them.

I looked down at the flagstones.

Three days ago, I had spent four hours on my knees scrubbing those very stones with a stiff brush and vinegar.

My knees still ached slightly from the cold dampness of the ground.

Now, I was standing on them in clean clothes, looking at the men who held the keys to the city’s greatest fortune.

“We received the digital transmission of the true will ten minutes ago,” Marcus said.

He stepped inside the doorway, his wet shoes leaving dark prints on the silk rug.

The other two representatives remained outside in the rain, watching the lawn.

“Is Miranda Sterling inside?” Marcus asked.

“She is in the library,” Julian said, his voice coming from the shadows near the desk.

Marcus looked at Julian, his expression neutral.

“You must be Julian,” Marcus said.

“Your mother has made many promises to our committee over the last five years.”