“The original deposit was made by my grandfather before we ever met.”

“It was never part of the marital estate, Daniel.”

Daniel took a step toward me, his leather shoes clicking on the dusty floorboards.

“That trust was integrated into the Hayes holding portfolio last fiscal year,” he said.

“You signed the consolidation paperwork.”

“No,” I said, looking him directly in the eyes. “I signed a memorandum of intent.”

“The actual transfer required my maiden name signature on a separate deed of trust.”

“I never signed the deed.”

Clara looked from Daniel to me, her brow furrowing deeper.

“Daniel, is this true?” she asked.

“The merger valuation relies on the Carter land assets in Michigan.”

“She’s bluffing,” Daniel said, though his voice lacked its usual weight.

“Check your phone again, Daniel,” I said.

“The notification you just received wasn’t about my accounts.”

“It was a formal notice of withdrawal from the Chicago Title and Trust Company.”

Daniel pulled his phone out again with a jerk of his wrist.

His thumb swiped rapidly across the screen.

Outside, the low rumble of the Wabash Avenue L-train vibrated through the floorboards.