“I want to establish a foundation.”

“A legal aid organization specifically for mothers who do not have the resources I have.”

“Women who are trapped by husbands who control the finances.”

“I want to fund it entirely with my share of the trust.”

My father nodded slowly.

“It is a noble use of the family legacy, Evelyn,” he said.

“We will draft the charter tomorrow.”

For the first time in months, I felt a sense of peace.

I had my daughter, my name, and my freedom.

The rain outside had stopped, and the clouds were beginning to break over the city.

Then, the door to the office opened without a knock.

My father’s chief financial officer walked in, holding a tablet.

His face was grim.

“Theodore, we have an issue,” the officer said, ignoring me entirely.

My father stood up from his chair. “What is it, Thomas?”

“One of the secondary accounts associated with the Pierce liquidation just went active,” Thomas said.

“I thought those were frozen by court order,” I said, my voice rising.

“They were,” Thomas replied, placing the tablet on the desk.