Both properties belonged to Kerr Residential Holdings, the company my father had created years before I met Spencer and later transferred to Julian and me. The Leith penthouse had always been one of its properties. Eleanor’s Morningside flat was another. After Spencer and I married, I allowed his mother to live there without rent because her pension was modest. Spencer knew I handled the paperwork, but apparently he had decided that meant I merely managed properties his family somehow owned.

The following morning, Julian arrived with copies of the title records, occupancy agreement, and company documents. Spencer read them twice. Eleanor’s arrangement gave her permission to occupy the flat; it did not give her ownership. I had also paid the insurance, building fees, and major repairs for nearly six years. Julian made one thing clear: nobody was being thrown onto the street overnight. Any change to Eleanor’s occupancy would follow the agreement and proper legal process.