He knew who controlled the distribution of its funds.

“No,” Scott said. “No, that’s not fair.”

Kayla stood up so fast her chair scraped loudly against the hardwood floor.

“Are you telling me there is no money?” Kayla screamed.

She looked at Victoria, then at Scott.

“Is he broke?” Kayla asked.

Nobody answered her.

“Scott!” Kayla yelled, grabbing his shoulder. “Tell me you still have the inheritance!”

Scott looked like he was about to vomit.

He didn’t say a word.

“You idiot,” Kayla said, her voice shaking.

She grabbed her designer purse from the table.

“I am not raising a baby in a rented apartment while you pay off your ex-wife,” she said.

“Kayla, wait,” Scott said, reaching out.

She stepped back, dodging his hand.

“Don’t call me,” Kayla said.

She turned on her heel and marched toward the door.

The heavy wooden door clicked shut behind her, leaving a ringing silence in her wake.

Scott sat slumped in his chair, his arms hanging at his sides.

Jerome capped his green highlighter and placed it back in his pocket.