“Mr. Hollis,” Judge Calder said slowly, holding up the first page, “these are the original incorporation documents for Hollis Transit Systems, filed thirteen years ago. Can you confirm that?” Damien’s smile flickered. “Of course. I founded the company.” The judge nodded, then turned the page toward the courtroom. “That’s interesting. Because the very first name listed here, as founder and majority shareholder, holding fifty-one percent of the company at incorporation, is not yours.” He looked up. “It’s Mrs. Lane’s.”

The courtroom went utterly silent. Marshall Crane half-rose from his chair. Brooke’s whisper died in her throat. Damien’s confident posture cracked, and the color began draining from his face exactly as he’d once made mine drain across a dinner table. “Your Honor, that’s, there must be a mistake,” he stammered. “The prenup, everything is in my name.” Judge Calder set the document down and folded his hands. “The prenup governs the assets held in your name. It says nothing about a company that, according to its own founding records, has always been majority-owned by your wife. So I’ll ask you one question, Mr. Hollis, and I’d advise you to think very carefully before you answer.” He leaned forward. “Did you know, when you filed for full custody and claimed your wife contributed nothing, that she legally owns the controlling share of the empire you say you built alone?