I cried in the car.

But by the time I reached home, I was done crying.

I called my attorney and told her to bring the Lakeshore Glenn file, the Dale Hewitt file, and the documents connected to Theo’s house.

The next day, we prepared three changes.

First, a formal review of recent partner compensation packages at Camille’s firm.

Second, paperwork connected to the eighty-thousand-dollar “loan” I had given Theo and Camille for their house.

Third, an amendment to my will.

Camille was removed completely. Theo’s inheritance would be protected in a trust. Poppy would receive a five-million-dollar trust that Camille could not control.

Then I invited Theo over and told him everything.

PART 3

Theo sat at my kitchen table while I told him the truth.

I told him about the buildings, the company, the firm, the trust, and the money. I told him I had hidden it because I wanted him to become a decent man, not a spoiled one.

When I finished, he put his face in his hands.

“Mom,” he whispered, “why didn’t you tell me?”

“Why do you think?” I asked.

After a long silence, he said, “Because you wanted me to become a person.”

“Yes,” I said.

Then I told him about the partnership review.

He looked terrified.

“Are you going to ruin Camille’s career?”

“No,” I said. “I am not going to block her promotion. I only want her to sit in one room and understand who I really am.”