That was when Marilyn reappeared.
She arrived on a Tuesday, accompanied by a high-priced lawyer and wearing a coat that cost more than Ray’s first house. She walked into the sisters’ sleek corporate office with a practiced, tragic air. “I see you’ve done well for yourselves,” she said, her eyes darting around the room, calculating the cost of the art on the walls.
Valerie didn’t even stand up. “State your business and leave.” The lawyer stepped forward. “My client is seeking a settlement of five hundred million dollars. If not, we are prepared to file for emotional abandonment and take this story to every major news outlet in the country.”
Camille laughed—a cold, sharp sound. “Abandonment? That’s a bold word for you to use.”
Part V: The Carpenter’s Verdict
