My husband drove the car into the river with my brother and me trapped inside, but when the water had already reached my neck, the man who had been “paralyzed” for 15 years stood up from his wheelchair, k:ick:ed the door open, and whispered, “Play d:ea:d. He’s watching.” I didn’t ask any questions… until I saw who was waiting for my husband on the shore.

The SUV had disappeared completely.

Only bubbles remained.

On shore, Garrett had his arm around Penelope.

She kissed his cheek.

Then they walked toward a parked car.

Together.

I turned back.

“Why today?”

Tobias took a breath.

“Because of the shareholder vote tomorrow.”

I froze.

Mercer Marine’s board was scheduled to vote on a major restructuring.

Garrett had pushed for it for months.

If approved, a new holding company would absorb most of our operating assets.

I had resisted.

Tobias had refused to sign anything.

Because he was legally considered partially incapacitated, several of his voting rights required trustee confirmation.

Mine.

“If we both died…”

I could barely finish.

Tobias nodded.

“Penelope becomes the closest surviving family shareholder.”

My stomach dropped.