“I need your signature on this verification page.”

My hand shook as I picked up the pen.

I stared at the line next to my typed name.

For years, I had signed whatever papers Daniel put in front of me, trusting his word.

This time, I was signing to take back what he had stolen from our children’s future.

I pressed the pen to the paper and wrote my name.

The blue ink looked bold and final.

Robert took the paper, checked the signature, and scanned it using a portable device.

“I am uploading this to the court portal now,” Robert said.

The silence in the room was heavy, punctuated only by the clicking of Robert’s keyboard.

Outside, the wind picked up, sending a spray of salt-crusted rain against the kitchen window.

My phone buzzed on the table again, making me jump.

This time, the screen showed Rachel’s name.

I answered it quickly. “Rachel?”

“Are you okay?” her voice was hushed, as if she were hiding.

“Daniel sent a photo of the kids,” I said, my voice hardening. “He had someone follow them.”