Chapter 7 · The Heir's Last Seal

Vivian walked into the boardroom and every head turned.

Philip stood at the far end of the table, one hand resting on a stack of documents. He didn't smile. He didn't need to. The twelve board members already seated told her everything. This wasn't a meeting. This was an execution.

"Miss Ashford." Philip gestured to an empty chair halfway down the table. "Good of you to join us."

She stayed standing. Her dress was wrinkled from the holding cell. Her hair had come loose. She could feel the stares, the pity, the schadenfreude. Margaret Hale, Father's oldest friend on the board, wouldn't meet her eyes.

"What is this, Philip?"

"An emergency session." He lifted the top document. "Your brother has submitted a formal request to resume his seat on the board and his role as co-executor of the Ashford estate. Given the circumstances, we felt it prudent to convene immediately."

Vivian's throat closed. "My brother is dead."

"Your brother is in the next room." Philip's voice was patient, the kind you'd use on a child. "He's been cleared by the police. The charges against him have been dropped. Dr.