The lawyers arrived on the third day, two women who introduced themselves as Jennifer Walsh and Maria Santos. They set up operations in the estate's library, spreading case files across the antique desk and creating an atmosphere that felt more like a war room than a country retreat.

"We need to begin formal documentation," Jennifer explained, her tone professional but not unkind. She was a woman in her fifties, with silver hair pulled back in a severe bun and eyes that missed nothing. ...