"Mr. Lloyd, I swear—I don't know anything!" Mason threw up his hands, playing dumb.

Andrew sneered. "You don't know? I was attacked at your father's funeral... on Ulrich family grounds. And you're telling me you had no idea? Don't you think that's a little far-fetched?"

Mason raised one hand, his face full of conviction. "If you don't believe me, Mr. Lloyd, I swear. If I, Mason Ulrich, have lied to you in the slightest, may the heavens strike me down and may I die a horrible death!"

A clap of thunder exploded overhead. The sky had already been overcast, heavy with dark clouds. And right on cue, a light rain began to fall.

Mason's face froze. His jaw dropped, and he barely held back a loud curse.

Andrew smiled faintly. "Even the heavens don't buy your story. Looks like you're out of excuses."

Still refusing to budge, Mason insisted, "Believe it or not, Mr. Lloyd, I had no knowledge of any attack. If you're still doubtful, I'll swear on my dead father's soul! If I lied, may I