Ray's face tightened, the teasing flicker in his gaze replaced by seriousness. "You're saying someone else was supporting her?"
Esme nodded, her expression steady. "Exactly. There's no way she could have moved the pieces alone. Someone's hiding in the shadows, pulling strings." She stole a quick glance at Ray, whose face was etched with shock.
He let out a sigh, sinking back into his seat. "I'd hoped I was wrong," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. The air in the car grew tense as Ray stared out the window, the passing scenery blurring, lost in thought.
Esme, sensing his turmoil, asked quietly, "So you already suspected?"
Ray nodded slowly. "Yeah, I had my suspicions. But I couldn't pin it down to one person." He paused, searching for the right words. "There are so many in the family who resented my mother, but at the same time, they'd never let her go completely. She built so much of what we have now. For someone to betray her… it's confusing."
