“You used marital assets to pay down the principal on your separate property for seven years,” Jerome said.

I watched Scott’s hands begin to tremble.

He reached for the bank statements, his fingers dragging across the paper.

“This is a joke,” Scott said.

“It’s math, Scott,” I said.

“You can’t do this, Avery,” he hissed, glaring at me. “I built that life. You were just along for the ride.”

“I supported you while you built it,” I said. “And you lied to me.”

“We are prepared to litigate this for years, Mr. Carter,” Sterling said, trying to regain his footing. “My client has the resources.”

“He won’t have the resources if the trust is frozen,” Jerome pointed out.

Victoria Vance leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Scott.

“As the executor, I have the authority to suspend all payouts pending a full investigation,” Victoria said.

“You can’t do that,” Scott said, his voice cracking. “I need that money. I have bills. I have a baby on the way.”

“You should have thought about that before you violated your mother’s wishes,” Victoria said coldly.