I slid my phone under my thigh, hiding Rachel’s text message from his sight.

“Then you understand what this means,” Pendelton said, tapping the manila envelope. “The judge agreed that the domestic incident, while regrettable, should not freeze my client’s access to his personal and marital assets.”

“He threw scalding oil at my face, Arthur,” I said.

“That is a matter for the criminal court, and we will dispute the details of how that accident occurred,” Pendelton replied smoothly. “In the meantime, the marital estate remains joint property, and the Brooks Family Trust is under Ethan’s sole management.”

He adjusted his silk tie, looking down at me with a cold, professional pity.

“Ethan is at the bank right now,” he added. “He is liquidating the primary accounts to secure his legal defense and place the remaining capital in a private holding company.”

My heart rate monitor began to beep faster.

The steady, rhythmic sound filled the hospital room, drawing the attention of the older police officer.

“Is she alright?” the officer asked, taking a step forward.