Sterling proceeded through the legal language. Curtis sighed loudly. Finally, the lawyer reached the inheritance section.

“To my only son, Curtis, I leave ownership of the family residence, the automobile collection, and the sum of seventy-five million dollars…”

Curtis slammed his fist down and jumped to his feet.

“I knew it!” he shouted, grinning triumphantly. “Every cent is mine!” He turned toward me, cruelty curling his lips. “Did you hear that, Vanessa? Seventy-five million. And you? You get nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

I sat motionless, shame burning my chest. His advisers snorted under their breath. I braced myself for one last humiliation.

Curtis grabbed his briefcase.

“All right, Sterling. Start the transfers. I’m done here.”

“Sit down, Mr. Curtis,” Sterling said calmly.

The room fell silent. His voice wasn’t raised, but it carried unmistakable authority.

Curtis hesitated, irritated, then dropped back into his chair.

Sterling turned the page. The soft scrape of paper sounded thunderous.