“How long does the filing take?” I asked.

“It is nearly instantaneous,” she said. “The digital portal is monitored by our clerk.”

She opened the first blue folder and pointed to a line at the bottom of the page.

“And the asset freeze?” I asked.

“The moment the petition is logged, the automatic temporary restraining order goes into effect,” Diane explained.

She tapped her finger on the paper.

“Victor’s personal bank accounts, his corporate draw accounts, and all joint restructuring funds will be locked,” she said.

I uncapped the pen.

The ink was dark blue, almost black.

I signed my name on the first line.

My hand did not shake.

I signed the second page, then the third, and finally the signature page of the financial disclosure.

Diane took the folders back and handed them to her assistant, who had been waiting quietly by the door.

“File them,” Diane said. “And notify the compliance officers at Northern Trust immediately.”

The assistant nodded and left the office, closing the door softly behind him.

Diane looked at her watch.