“My signature was forged.”

“My client used archived credentials from my office file system to sign my name without my authorization.”

A low murmur went through the gallery.

Margaret stood up, her pearls clinking against her coat.

“This is absurd,” she said, her voice shrill. “This is a fabrication by Nora’s lawyers.”

“Sit down,” the judge said, her voice dropping an octave.

“I will not warn you again, Mrs. Mercer.”

Margaret slowly sat down, her face burning red.

Grant sat frozen, his eyes wide and vacant.

“Your Honor,” Lena said, standing up beside me.

“In light of this revelation, we request that the prenuptial amendment be struck from the record immediately.”

“We also request a formal referral to the District Attorney for identity theft and forgery.”

Judge Thomas looked at the documents on her bench.

She did not look pleased.

“The motion to withdraw is granted,” the judge said. “Mr. Vance is excused.”

“Mr. Mercer, you have forty-eight hours to find new representation.”

“The prenuptial amendment of 2021 is hereby declared null and void.”

“The original terms of the Whitaker trust remain in full effect.”