a P

s I announced the full transfer of my controlling stake in Bartlett & Associates to Cayla Pate. The

ember, said, his voice low and concerned, "are you absolutel

t titles. I am certain." My hand, though trembling slightly, reached for the pen. I signed each document

y decisions," I declared, my voice echoing in the silen

ath the polished table, trembled. I saw the triumphant glint in her eyes before s

ross the table to her. "These are yo

o speak, her eyes already dev

ar, her hands gripping the steering wheel, knuckles white. The

doing this? Giving it all away? The firm, the patents, t

angle, dear sister, is that you finally have everything you ever wanted. My life.

not fair! I never as

h for him to fall into your lap? You've always been good at that, haven't you? The swee

peak, but I raised a hand. "It doesn't matter, Cayla.

, suspicion in h

first time. "He's still a child. He doesn't need to know the ugliness be

ed. "Fine. Whatever. He

because you've poisoned h

sly sorting through old letters, faded photographs. Artifacts of a life I was quickly

es red-rimmed. She had seen the truth, the raw edges of my pain, un

then she broke down, tears streaming freely. "Oh, Al

The hidden camera footage. The forged medical documents. The financial records

s, I have it all, safe. A digital

estroy it," I sa

a, no! This is your only leverage

different form, Sarah. A more profound one. For Denver. I don't want him to live in a worl

me, her mouth

quickly, irrevocably. I looked in the mirror, a skeletal reflection staring back. My eyes, once vibrant, were now dul

formed. Streamers, balloons, glittering lights.

irecting caterers, her voice bright and confident.

legant in a sapphire dress, wore the pearl necklace my grandmo

's so good to see you finally letting go. Cayla tells us you've been so incredib

lva. Cayla is truly the family's light. So selfless and giv

a million pieces. I turned away, the words a fresh

f glasses. Socialites, business partners, academics. All here to celeb

es were unreadable, a mixture of guilt and something else.

ith sparkling cider. "To new be

arm. She wore the diamond engagement ring that

e the future of Bartlett & Associates, under the brilliant leadership of my wonderful wife, Cayla." He smiled, a sickeningly proud expre

rfect performance. "Alva has given me everything. Her

on the stage. The cold, hollow ache in my chest sprea