“We need leverage, Monica.”

“Something that makes him sign the asset division immediately without a fight.”

“I know where to find it,” I said, looking out at the falling snow.

“He has a personal backup drive in his home office.”

“I’ve seen spreadsheets on his shared laptop when he thought I was asleep.”

“He manages the discretionary fund for his firm’s regional expansion.”

“If he’s skimming from his partners, he’ll do anything to keep it quiet,” Annika said.

“Get those files.”

“But do not get caught, Monica.”

“If he suspects anything before Friday, the legal trap fails.”

“The catering team arrives this afternoon,” I said.

“Chef Laura will have assistants moving in and out of the kitchen.”

“Derek will be distracted by his phone calls and the preparations.”

“That is my window,” I said.

***

I returned to the house by noon.

The driveway was already being cleared of snow by a hired plow.

Inside, Chef Laura was already in the kitchen, her red hair tied back in a neat hairnet.

Boxes of fresh winter vegetables and crates of white wine lined the granite counters.