“Take your brat and go to hell,” my husband hissed at my 7-year-old during our 10 AM divorce hearing. “The ruling is finalized. He gets everything,” his lawyer smirked.

Not lovers. Not partners. Just thieves fighting over a burning map.

Judge Marlowe removed her glasses. “I am vacating the proposed ruling. I am freezing all disclosed and newly identified assets pending full investigation. Temporary custody remains with Mrs. Hale. Mr. Hale will have supervised visitation only, subject to review.”

Daniel slammed his hand onto the table. “You can’t do this.”

“I can,” the judge said. “And I am.”

Agent Ruiz stepped forward. “Mr. Hale, we need you to come with us.”

Whispers erupted across the courtroom.

Daniel looked at me, searching for the woman who once begged him to lower his voice. She was gone. Or maybe she had never existed—only waiting.

“You’ll regret this,” he said.

I leaned close enough for only him to hear.