“Which is a federal crime,” I added, looking at Vance.

Vivian gripped Claire’s arm to steady herself, her breath coming in shallow gasps.

“Daniel, tell me she’s lying,” Vivian hissed, her fingernails digging into her daughter’s sleeve. “Our townhome in Manhattan. The villa in Monaco. The corporate accounts.”

“They are all owned by the Arden Heritage Trust,” I said, my voice echoing in the grand ballroom.

“And as of exactly four minutes ago, the trust has been dissolved.”

The silence in the ballroom was absolute, save for the low rumble of the ocean waves outside the terrace doors.

“Every asset associated with the Mercer name is now frozen,” I said.

“Your credit cards will not work,” I said.

“Your luxury cars are legally the property of the Arden estate.”

“Even the designer clothes you are wearing tonight were purchased with trust dividends,” I said.

Claire looked down at her silk gown as if it had suddenly caught fire.

“You can’t do this,” Claire screamed, her face flushed with anger. “You’re our family! You’re my sister-in-law!”

“Not for much longer,” I said.