Inside were three things: a letter addressed to me, a notarized will, and a green bank passbook.

My hands shook as I read the will.

Margaret had left everything to me.

Her house. Her savings. Her personal belongings.

And she had completely disinherited Derek.

“She knew about the affair,” Mr. Vance said quietly. “She also knew he planned to force you out after she died.”

I opened the passbook.

The balance was $500,000.

But the older entries were even stranger. For years, large deposits had come from the same company.

Summit Builders.

Arthur’s company.

Mr. Vance watched my face. “Margaret believed Derek used her account to hide improper payments connected to his job.”

Derek worked as a purchasing manager for Kensington Logistics. Summit Builders had won several Kensington contracts years ago.

Back at the motel, I searched Derek’s synced emails. It didn’t take long.

One message from Arthur read:

Payment sent to Margaret’s account as agreed. Make sure our bid clears final review.

Another said:

Keep this away from compliance.

Derek had taken kickbacks through his disabled mother’s account, assuming no one would ever question it.

But Margaret had questioned it.

Six months before she died, she had frozen incoming transfers and given the evidence to Mr. Vance.

By noon, Mr. Vance helped me place a legal hold on Margaret’s estate. No money could be moved until probate.

That evening, Derek texted me from the airport.

Heading home. Make sure the house is clean. Check on Mom before bed. I’m too exhausted for drama.

I almost laughed.

He still didn’t know.

At 8:00 p.m., I watched him through the living room camera I had installed years ago to monitor Margaret while I cooked.

Derek walked in, dragging his suitcase.