Chapter 22 · He Knows the Name

The man in the doorway wore a gray suit and carried a leather folder like it was a weapon.

"Miss Ashford." He didn't wait for an invitation. Just walked in. "I'm Mr. Garrett, representing Mr. Roy's office. We need your signature."

James stepped between them. "She's not signing anything tonight."

Garrett didn't even look at him. He opened the folder on Vivian's vanity, right on top of her mother's jewelry box. Three documents, already tagged with little red arrows pointing to blank signature lines.

"Your father's condition has deteriorated." Garrett's voice was flat, practiced. "The hospital requires authorization for emergency surgery. Mr. Roy, as temporary guardian, has approved the procedure, but the trust structure requires a co-signature from the primary heir."

Vivian's throat closed. "What surgery?"

"Cardiac intervention. The doctors say tonight or not at all."

James snatched the papers. His eyes moved fast, too fast. "This isn't a surgical consent form. This is a property transfer."

"The surgery is expensive. The trust needs restructuring to access the necessary funds." Garrett pulled out a pen, set it on top of the documents. "Your father's life, Miss Ashford. Mr. Roy is waiting for confirmation."

She looked at James.