He walked over to a small mahogany credenza and poured a glass of water.

He handed it to me, but my hand was shaking too much to take it.

“Your mother is behind this,” Sayer said, his eyes fixed on me.

“She knew about Crestview,” I said. “She was the one who signed the primary consent form.”

“She’s using it as leverage,” Sayer said.

“For what?” I asked. “To prove I’m unfit so she can take Elliot’s estate?”

Sayer took a slow sip of his water and set the glass down.

“She doesn’t want the estate, Avery,” Sayer said. “Not really.”

I stared at him, confused.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Your mother’s attorney, Vance, called my associate this morning before the leak,” Sayer said.

“You didn’t tell me,” I said.

“I didn’t want to alarm you before we had the facts,” Sayer said. “But now the strategy is clear.”

“Tell me,” I said.

“She wants a cash settlement,” Sayer said. “A very specific one.”

Calvin leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest.

“How much?” Calvin asked.