Summit Manor. The undisputed crown jewel of Harbor City real estate.
My sister had organized a grand homecoming gala. The hall was packed with titans of industry and local elites, though I recognized few of them. I'd spent my life in the shadows, orchestrating the empire from behind the scenes.
To the public, I was a ghost. They knew the Ashfords had an eldest daughter, whispered about an eldest son, but few had ever seen my face.
"Mr. Ashford?"
A man in his sixties approached, wine glass in hand, face creased in an ingratiating smile. "Your reputation precedes you, but seeing you in person... truly elegant. Outstanding."
I offered a faint smile and raised my glass in acknowledgment.
"I am Gavin Finch, Chairman of Silverhill Corp." He bowed slightly. "To see Mr. Ashford with my own eyes... the honor of a lifetime."
Finch.
I glanced toward the corner of the hall. My sister sat there sipping her wine and raised her glass with a knowing smirk.
Silverhill Corp. The parent company of Silverhill Estates. Samuel Finch's father.
It all made sense. A second-tier real estate boss wouldn't normally make the guest list for a private Ashford banquet. My sister had arranged this. She knew everything. While I'd been playing house with Delia, she'd been watching.
"I've heard much about you, Mr. Finch," I lied smoothly. "The pleasure is mine."
"Oh, Mr. Ashford, you flatter me!" Gavin beamed, practically vibrating. "You are a figure standing in the clouds. For a small household like mine to set foot in Summit Manor... it is a privilege. Since I was fortunate enough to be invited, I've brought a humble gift."
He set his wine glass down and produced a document with both hands, placing it reverently on the table before me.
"A deed to the finest villa in Silverhill Estates. Please, accept it with my compliments."
I barely glanced at the paper.
A villa?
The ground beneath my feet at Summit Manor alone was worth more than his entire company.
Silverhill Corp's entire portfolio consisted of a few scraps of land on the urban fringe. Combined, they weren't worth a single bathroom in Summit Manor.
"Oh, right. Mr. Ashford."
Gavin Finch produced another invitation, offering it with a bow deep enough to strain his back.