She looked at the federal injunction in my hand as if it were a soiled piece of paper.

“Do you honestly think this will hold up, Vivian?” Margaret asked.

“The Whitmore trust has survived two world wars and three restructuring attempts.”

“It hasn’t survived a fraud investigation,” Grace said, stepping slightly in front of me.

“The court has already signed the preliminary order.”

“Any transfer of assets today is a federal violation.”

Adrian’s jaw tightened further.

He looked at the papers, then back at me.

“You think you’re protecting Lily,” he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous register.

“You’re only ensuring she gets nothing.”

“She has a right to her father’s name,” I said.

“And she has a right to the trust her grandfather built for his descendants.”

Adrian took another step closer, forcing Grace to shift her stance.

He leaned in, his breath warm against my cheek.

“You want to play dirty, Vivian?” he murmured.

“You have no idea what I am capable of when I am pushed.”

“I know exactly what you are capable of,” I replied.

“That is why I brought a lawyer.”