THE STERLING INHERITANCE

: Dom

chairs that cost more than most people's cars, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Elliott Bay.

elt dif

wo associates whose names I'd already forgotten. They'd been stalling for tw

"Whatever conditions Harrison pu

. Cross, your mentor's estate

or take. I helped h

right hands." Gerald slid a leather portfolio ac

he first page, dense and impenetrabl

,like I knew nothi

is a

e you, i

x months?" I looked up, waiting for the punc

ite legal, provided they don't violate public policy. Mr. St

months ago. You're

yesterday." Gerald folded his hands. "As of today, you have exactly six months to marry, or the entire esta

on the page. Marry

s to be a

he will thoroughl

g. Somewhere down there, people were living normal lives. Dating without b

"Why would Har

ed. "He left a letter. Wou

es

on's distinctive handwriting on the front

began r

ooms, surrounded by objects instead of people. You're headed down the same path, son. I've watched you work yourself to death for a decade, keeping everyone at arm's length, treating relationships like business

m fell

My voice ca

d closed the envelope. "He truly cared about you, Mr. Cross.

nths. One hundred eighty-two days to find a wife o

re my o

he language is solid, and litigation could take years. B

arry so

es

yon

that the marriage must be legal and in good faith-n

uld marry me in a heartbeat. Socialites, actresses, entrepre

ght made

aid quietly. "Dinners, galas, chari

eyebrow. "Surel

ors and write checks." I thought of E.A.'s letters, her words from last night. *Do you ever feel l

opportunity to fin

ix mo

rried faster fo

u're suggesting I find

Sterling's advice seriously.

apers, clearly eager to escape the tensi

gular check-ins," he said.

t sound lik

e are many parties interested in its disposition. If you fail

ani

g. Waiting. The moment that deadline pass

married, I had to do it while shar

in the conference room, Har

someon

ail notification. E

r D.

choice gets easier. Whatever it is, I trust you'll do t

eally knew me-and thought I'd do the right thing. She

or face. Just knew my words, my thoughts, my fears

someon

d a re

r E.

s. None of them wer

Too honest.

on anonymity and distance. I couldn't marry some

ul

ught wa

t at the city, six months stretc

could marry. Someone suitable, app

nvince both of us this was anything

down the windows, and Harris

end up