Page 66 of Seabreeze Library

Ivy caught her breath. “The account exists?” She paced along the edge of the pool, energy surging through her limbs.

“The account number you provided was a match. This is significant because these banks guard their clients’ privacy ferociously. They wouldn’t have confirmed this much information without the court’s involvement. But I have experience with reluctant financial institutions,” he added with a hint of amusement.

“What do you mean by that?”

“For example, one bank tried to get away with only paying out the original principal and withholding interest earned and compounded over decades. There are other issues, too.”

Ivy had no idea it would be so difficult. She would have to thank Viola again.

Andrew went on, “Consider hurdle number one cleared, and that’s good news. Next, we must prove Lea Martin is the rightful heir. Did you talk to her?”

Ivy allowed herself a moment of triumph before reality reasserted itself. “I’m still working on that.”

“If she can’t establish that, the bank will not release funds.” He grew more serious. “This might be a lengthy process. At some point, I’ll need to fly to Switzerland with Lea or secure a power of attorney from her.”

Ivy hoped Lea would agree to that. “And after that?”

“The final step will be proving the funds were intended for the library and art museum.” He paused. “Are you confident Lea will agree to that?”

Ivy watched a leaf drift across the pool’s surface, carried by invisible currents. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “She mentionedshe was trying to sell her company. I imagine she will do well when it does.”

“A lot can happen to change people’s circumstances,” Andrew said. “Money has a way of altering promises and priorities.”

The implication hung between them, unspoken but understood. What if Lea decided to keep the entire inheritance for herself? She had every right to it. While she had relinquished any claim to the inn, she could have fought for it.

“I understand. I’m doing everything I can to reach her.”

“Keep me posted,” Andrew said. “I’ll continue preparing. And please be patient. Countries have different banking procedures. While I remain hopeful, I can’t say what the bank or the court will ultimately decide.”

After he hung up, Ivy remained by the pool, thinking about the situation. The existence of the account validated everything she’d suspected, but without Lea’s cooperation, they were still adrift. She wanted this so much for the community.

One step at a time.

She turned toward the house, where light spilled from the windows. Inside, Bennett was gesturing with enthusiasm as he spoke with Reed and Forrest. The three men were enjoying each other’s company.

She was grateful this renovation project was coming along well. If it wasn’t for sheer serendipity, it might never have happened.

Yet, uncertainty still swirled around this latest secret the old house had given up. For whatever reason, Ivy couldn’t rest until she helped the former owner realize her dream. In doing so, she hoped to realize hers, too.

23

“That was a rare treat,” Ivy said, leaning against Bennett. “I’m utterly stuffed.”

They had just finished their take-out supper. The evening breeze rustled the palm trees surrounding their treehouse balcony where Ivy sat cross-legged on the outdoor sofa, sipping a cup of mango green tea. She loved this panoramic view of the beach.

“Relax with your tea,” Bennett said, nuzzling her neck. “I’ll do the dishes.”

She laughed. “I like that trade. Be sure you scrub that pizza box well.”

“It still counts, sweetheart.” She could hear him chuckling as he walked back to the kitchen.

When her phone rang, she nearly knocked over her tea reaching for it. Seeing Lea’s name on the screen sent a surge of relief through her. “I’ve been hoping to hear from you. Is everything okay?”

“Sorry for the delay in getting back to you,” Lea replied, sounding tired. “I’ve been in meetings all week about my company sale. It’s been arduous.”

“I can only imagine. Do you have a moment?”

“Barely, but I want to speak to you,” Lea said. “I loved visiting Summer Beach and hope to return for a holiday. Viola also called and told me about some architectural plans for a library and art museum. It sounds like you need some documents from me. Her nephew is helping you, correct?”

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