“Exactly,” Thomas said. “The bank cannot touch it. Mark’s debts are his alone.”

Juliette stepped back, her heels clicking against the wet floor.

“Mark,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “You said the house was yours. You said we were going to sell it.”

Mark did not look at her.

The officers grabbed his arms, pulling them behind his back.

The sound of the handcuffs clicking together was sharp and loud in the quiet hallway.

“Mother!” Mark screamed as they led him toward the door. “You can’t do this to me!”

Patricia turned her back to him, staring out the window at the flashing red lights.

She did not flinch as the front door closed behind him, cutting off his shouts.

Juliette looked at me, her eyes wide with terror, before she ran out into the rain after them.

The foyer was suddenly very quiet, save for the sound of the wind outside.

Patricia turned around, smoothing her designer coat.

“I did what I had to do, Claire,” Patricia said, her voice devoid of any emotion.

“You betrayed your own son to save yourself,” I said.