Richard’s grip on the papers tightened, his knuckles turning white. He looked from Emily to the documents, then back to Emily, as if hoping to find some sign of deceit. But there was none. The truth was plain and indisputable.

Michael, standing at the foot of the stairs, shot his father a look of disdain. “So all your talk about how we owe you for everything was just… lies?” he said, his voice dripping with disappointment.

Richard opened his mouth to respond, but no words came. The mask he had worn so confidently in front of his family had slipped, revealing a man who had overplayed his hand.