“But now that we have them, and child services is involved, her plan is ruined,” I said.

“She is in panic mode,” Sarah agreed.

“If the state takes them permanently, she is broke,” Ryker said.

“She’s worse than broke,” Sarah said. “She has already spent millions of the trust’s future earnings.”

“If the trust freezes, the creditors will strip her bare within a week.”

I looked toward the hallway, a cold feeling rising in my chest.

They weren’t just children to Marissa.

They were her multi-million-dollar shield against ruin.

“She will do anything to get them back,” I said.

“She has to,” Ryker said.

He turned to Marco, his face grim in the lamplight.

“We need to find the other person who can dissolve this entire mess,” Ryker said.

“Clara Vale,” Marco said, matching Ryker’s gaze.

“Yes,” Ryker said. “If the biological aunt takes custody, the trust stays active, but Marissa is completely cut out.”

“But Clara disappeared three years ago,” I said. “Marissa claimed Clara abandoned the family after Daniel died.”

“We know that’s a lie now,” Ryker said.

He tapped the forensic report on the desk.