“We can talk about this like civilized people.”

“Your family took my inheritance to fund a lifestyle you couldn’t afford,” I said.

“You knew about the transfers, Margaret.”

“You knew Daniel was using my money to pay off the mortgage on this house.”

Margaret pressed her hand to her throat.

“That was a loan,” she whispered.

“Daniel said it was a temporary loan from the business.”

“It was my mother’s money,” I said.

“And it was never meant for this house.”

The silence returned, heavier this time.

The only sound was the hum of the computer monitor and the wind outside.

My phone vibrated again in my pocket.

Two short buzzes.

I did not pull it out this time.

I looked at Richard.

“The forensic accountant will be at the corporate office tomorrow morning at nine,” I said.

“I suggest you have the ledgers ready.”

Richard looked up at me, his expression grim.

“You’re going to destroy the company, Emily.”

“The company was built on a lie, Richard.”

“My husband made sure of that.”

Daniel finally looked up, his eyes bloodshot and angry.