“I am filing an emergency ex parte petition for custody,” Samuel said without looking up.

“It is going directly to Judge Vance’s clerk.”

“We have the affidavits from the clinic’s former technician.”

“We have the altered lab logs Julian recovered.”

Samuel pressed the enter key with a sharp, decisive click.

“And I have just submitted a motion for a temporary restraining order,” he added.

“It freezes every joint and individual asset associated with the Lawson family trust.”

Ethan gasped, his face draining of what little color he had left.

“You can’t do that,” Ethan stammered.

“That trust pays for my mortgage.”

“It pays for my car, my office, everything.”

“It is done,” Samuel said, turning the laptop screen so Ethan could see the digital filing receipt.

“The court operates quickly when there is a risk of parental kidnapping.”

“The freeze is automatic upon the filing of an emergency petition of this nature.”

“Within an hour, your bank cards will be declined, Ethan.”

“Your accounts will be locked.”

Margaret scoffed, though her fingers tightened on the strap of her leather handbag.

“You are bluffing, Mr. Greene,” she said.