During the divorce hearing, my husband sat with his legs crossed, smug: “You will never touch my money again.” His mistress chimed in, “That’s right, honey.” His mother smirked, “She doesn’t deserve a single penny.”

Roderick paled. “You cannot let her take control of everything,” he managed, voice cracking.

“She will be given temporary authority over the marital accounts while a forensic accountant completes the full investigation,” Corwin replied. “You forfeited your right to sole control when you engaged in unlawful concealment.”

Petra rose abruptly. “This is insane. Roderick trusted you to be fair. You are ruining him.”

The judge gave her a level look. “Ms Lynell, please sit down before you worsen his position.”

She sat, trembling.

Agnes stared at her son like she was seeing him for the first time. Disappointment clung to her face like frost.

Tamsin watched quietly. There was no triumph in her expression, only calm acceptance. For years she had endured the erosion of her marriage while her husband cultivated secrets. Now the lies stood in the open.

Judge Corwin folded his hands. “Before we adjourn, Mrs Kerrigan, I commend your diligence. Many spouses in lopsided marriages lack the resources or confidence to gather evidence properly. But you did so with remarkable clarity.”

“Thank you, Your Honor,” she said.

The judge nodded. “This hearing is adjourned until the accountant’s review is complete.”