“She was right.”
I traced its edge with my thumb.
“Why didn’t she tell me more?”
“Because Vivian wanted you to know people before they knew what you possessed.”
I faced him.
“That sounds like her.”
“She also knew wealth attracts obedience very easily.”
Our eyes met.
“Respect is harder.”
I remembered Table Nineteen.
Of coworkers avoiding my gaze.
Of Sloane applauding.
Of Camden expecting my tears.
“Did you know what Camden was doing?”
“No.”
He answered instantly.
“If I had, he would never have reached that stage.”
“Then why did you come prepared with Margaret?”
August was silent for a moment.
“Because your mother made me promise something.”
My throat constricted.
“What?”
“That if the trust ever needed to exercise its authority, I would make certain you understood the company before anyone tried to use you for your shares.”
I examined the photograph.
“And now?”
“Now you understand it.”
