“A dutiful daughter-in-law does not stand by and watch her family’s name be dragged through the mud by federal agents,” Vivian said, her hand rising to touch her gold collar.

She looked at Mr. Han, then back to me, her lips curling into a thin, tight smile.

“In fact,” Vivian said, her voice dropping to a low, commanding purr, “you owe us this money, Maya. It is your duty to protect the family estate. You will instruct your manager to sign the release, and we will discuss your behavior when we return home tonight.”

I watched her, my face completely still.

My phone vibrated in my palm once more.

A new message from my legal team appeared on the dark screen.

*Documents delivered,* the message read.

I looked up from the screen, my eyes meeting Vivian’s cold, demanding stare.

I reached into the small beaded evening bag hanging from my wrist and pulled out a thick, white linen envelope.

The legal seal of the state court was stamped in red wax on the back.

I held it out between us, the crisp paper catching the light of the ballroom.