CHAPTER 5: The Doorway Fills With Witnesses

A black sedan rolled up outside the open doors.
Then another.
Celeste heard the tires on the gravel and turned sharply toward the entrance.
Two foundation attorneys stepped through first, both in dark coats, both carrying locked cases. Behind them came a private physician who had treated Charles for twenty years and a security director Celeste had fired the week after the wedding.
He was still on the foundation payroll.
He nodded to Lena, not Celeste.
That small gesture changed the temperature of the room.
Mason took half a step back.
Celeste placed her glass on the console table with careful control.
“You brought people into my home?”
“No,” Lena said. “I brought them into my father’s residence.”
The lead attorney opened his case.
“Mrs. Vistion, you are hereby notified that any documents signed tonight are void until reviewed. You are also instructed not to remove financial records, medical records, devices, keys, or staff from the premises.”
Celeste’s mouth tightened.
Charles whispered, “Lena.”
She turned.
He was still on the floor, but no longer alone.