Allerton’s smile faltered. The other men shifted uncomfortably. Camden Doyle muttered, “This is ridiculous.”
Everett’s voice sharpened. “Bring me a magnifying glass.”
One of his assistants hurried away. A moment later, Everett bent over the manuscript. He murmured as he examined the ink texture. Raya watched him. He saw what she saw. A fissure in the illusion. A tiny, devastating flaw.
He lifted his gaze toward Allerton. “If this is a forgery, you will answer for it. I will not allow my foundation to be poisoned by lies.”
Allerton’s veneer cracked. “You do not know what you are talking about. You think a billionaire knows more about documents than I do? Than my experts?”
Everett straightened to his full height. “I think an honest child just saw something your experts conveniently ignored.”
Mitchell Bronson backed toward the elevator. Harold Lee began gathering his things. Allerton looked trapped. He threw his hands up. “This is extortion. You will regret siding with people like them.”
Everett’s reply was quiet. “I regret ever inviting you into my home. Leave. All of you.”
The men retreated, furious and defeated. The elevator doors swallowed them. The room breathed again.
Marina clutched Raya’s shoulders. “I am so sorry, Mr. Langston. She should not have spoken. I will—”
“No.” Everett raised a hand. “Do not apologize. If anything, I should thank her.” He knelt in front of Raya. “You saved me. That contract could have cost my foundation its integrity. How can I repay you?”
Raya shook her head. “You don’t have to. I only said what was true.”
He smiled. It was the first real smile she had seen on his face. “Truth has become a rare commodity in this world. I intend to invest in it.”
He stood and gestured for them to follow him. They entered a room Raya had never seen. A private library. Shelves climbed two floors high, filled with manuscripts, atlases, rare first editions, and annotated letters. Soft lamps bathed everything in amber light. Raya’s breath hitched.
Everett spoke gently. “Your mother works here with grace and diligence. You have a gift that deserves cultivation. If you would like, I will cover your education. I will give you access to this library. And I will offer your mother a full-time position assisting our historical preservation team. A permanent job. Health benefits. Stability.”
Marina’s knees buckled. Tears spilled. “Why? We are just—”