“An immediate freeze on all subsidiary accounts,” Thomas added.

“Including your personal checking, your corporate credit cards, and the maintenance fund for this house.”

Mark stood frozen under the hot stage lights.

The color had drained completely from his lips.

Beside him, Juliette shifted her weight.

The silk of her red dress rustled loudly in the quiet room.

She looked at Mark’s profile, her brow furrowing.

Her fingers tightened around her leather clutch bag.

“What does he mean, Mark?” Juliette whispered.

Her voice was barely a breath, but it carried across the quiet stage.

Mark did not look at her.

He kept his eyes locked on Thomas.

“You cannot freeze my personal accounts,” Mark said.

“My name is on those bank books.”

“Those bank books are funded entirely by the Hartwell trust,” Thomas replied.

“Without the trust’s authorization, those accounts do not exist.”

Patricia took a sharp breath.

Her hand dropped from her pearl necklace to her side.

“This is a misunderstanding,” Patricia said to the nearest row of guests.

She forced a tight, artificial smile onto her face.