“Thomas, you have ruined this family.”

Thomas didn’t stand up.

He just looked at his ex-wife with a quiet, tired pity.

“You did this to yourself, Margaret,” Thomas said. “You and Ryan.”

“We are appealing this immediately,” Ryan said, though he looked hollowed out.

His suit jacket was unbuttoned, and his tie was slightly askew.

“Appeal all you want, Ryan,” Helen said, sliding her glasses into her pocket.

“But Judge Vance’s ruling is ironclad.”

“We have resources, Helen,” Margaret said, her chin trembling with rage.

“The Parker name still means something in this city.”

“Not for long,” Helen replied.

“The local papers have already caught wind of the emergency filings.”

Margaret went entirely pale.

Her hand flew to her throat, her manicured nails digging into her skin.

“What do you mean?” she whispered.

“The hearing wasn’t sealed, Margaret,” Helen said.

“Domestic neglect of a postpartum mother is public record.”

I watched the realization hit her.

Her social standing, her seat on the hospital foundation board, her charity luncheons—all of it was about to vanish.

Ryan grabbed his mother’s arm.

“Mom, let’s go. We need to talk to Henderson.”