Later that night, I caught Lara trying to pry open the chess pieces. She found a pouch with sparkling stones and claimed Dad’s “real gift.” But I revealed her prize was a fake glass beads swapped by me after the funeral. The real stones, and Dad’s true will, were safely locked away in my name.

Dad’s hidden letter explained the chessboard was a test Lara had the house and freedom, but I, who stayed and cared for him, was entrusted with the real legacy. If we could be honest, we’d share peace. If not, everything belonged to me. I looked at Lara and said quietly, “Checkmate.”