“And the terms of that agreement were very specific,” I said.

Vivian reached out, her fingers twitching as if she wanted to grab the paper and tear it to shreds.

“You have no right to dissolve it,” Vivian whispered. “It was a lifetime agreement.”

“It was an agreement based on trust,” I said. “And on contract.”

“What contract?” Daniel asked, his voice cracking.

“The contract that stated the trust would continue to fund the Mercer family lifestyle,” I said, “as long as the Mercer family treated the Arden family with dignity and respect.”

I looked at Vivian’s pale, trembling face.

“And as long as no member of the Mercer family attempted to steal from the Arden estate.”

“We didn’t steal anything!” Claire cried.

“Your brother tried to transfer forty percent of Lotus Bay’s equity to an offshore account this morning,” I said.

“He did it using a forged signature,” Mr. Han added. “My signature.”

Daniel looked down at his shoes, unable to meet my eyes.

“It was just a temporary loan,” Daniel whispered. “I was going to put it back.”

“You broke the contract, Daniel,” I said.