“Your mother is gone. Tears won’t bring her back—so wipe your face, make dinner, and don’t look like a grieving child when my guests arrive.” That was what my husband said.

But now, under the president’s direct audit, all his wrongdoings came to light. Jessica’s face transformed into a mask of pure terror. She was trembling violently. The expensive handbag she was holding fell to the floor. The secret of her affair, and her corruption was exposed all at once. It was no longer about a lost inheritance, but a possible prison sentence. The atmosphere in the living room, which had been deathly silent, transformed into a heated courtroom. Mr. Harrison’s secretary held up the tablet, slowly turning it so everyone could see the incriminating evidence on the screen. Mark’s eyes widened as if they were about to pop out of their sockets.