And I laughed.
By the end of the auction, whatever last hope I had for Ryan shattered like that painting.
Back at the mansion, I pulled out the recorder, the DNA report from the pet food, and the surveillance footage Brown had secured. I mailed everything to my lawyer.
Then, I dialed Mr. Warren, Ryan’s rival.
“Mr. Warren,” my voice was calm, stripped of all emotion. “I’d like to make a deal with you. I believe you’ll be interested.”
Hanging up, I held Aaron’s urn and headed for the airport.
As the car left the city, I glanced back once at the glowing skyline.
My phone buzzed. Ryan’s name flashed on the screen.
I switched it off and tossed it into a roadside trash bin.
Aaron, we’re going home.
As for Ryan and Sophia—what they owe us, I’ll make them pay back with interest.
