“That’s a lie,” he said, looking at Henderson. “She’s a housewife. She doesn’t own a vacuum cleaner, let alone a real estate acquisition firm.”

“Be quiet, Graham,” Gloria snapped, though her own face had gone pale under her heavy makeup.

She turned her sharp gaze on me.

“Jocelyn, stop this childish game,” Gloria said. “If you are trying to embarrass my son because your marriage is failing, you have chosen the wrong day. This transaction involves millions of dollars.”

“I am well aware of the figures, Gloria,” I said.

My voice was quiet, steady, and entirely devoid of the emotion she was trying to provoke.

I looked at Mr. Henderson.

“Mr. Henderson, do you have the final loan application submitted by Ralston Development for the Highland Park expansion?” I asked.

Henderson looked at the stack of papers in front of him, then looked at me.

“I do, Mrs. Ralston,” Henderson said. “But I must ask for some clarification here. Are you representing the purchasing entity or are you a guarantor?”