“Terminated?” she shrieked, taking a step toward us. “On what grounds? You cannot simply dissolve a marriage without a trial.”

“Fraud, embezzlement of marital assets, and willful misrepresentation,” Mr. Vance replied.

He turned a page in the document, his fingers precise and calm.

“Furthermore, the Mercer family assets have been placed under immediate receivership to cover the outstanding debts owed to Lotus Bay Resort.”

Daniel looked as if he might faint, his hand grasping the wooden banister for support.

“Our assets?” Daniel whispered, his eyes wide. “My father’s estate?”

“The estate was put up as collateral for the three loans you took out last year,” I told him.

I watched his eyes dart to the papers in Mr. Vance’s hand.

“You signed those agreements yourself, Daniel,” I said. “You just didn’t bother to read who owned the holding company.”

“It was you,” Daniel said, his voice barely a breath. “You bought the debt.”

“I did,” I said.

Claire began to cry, the tears smudging her heavy mascara into dark streaks.

“Our townhouse,” she sobbed, grabbing her mother’s arm. “The cars, the accounts… Mom, tell them they can’t do this.”