Not a polite chuckle—an honest, sharp laugh that echoed around the courtroom.
Ethan’s smirk disappeared instantly. Madison straightened in her seat like someone had pulled a string. Lorraine’s smile froze mid-expression.
Judge Kline lowered the letter and peered over her glasses at Ethan’s lawyer.
“Counselor,” she said slowly, “this is good.”
Ethan’s attorney suddenly looked like a man who realized he’d stepped onto a trapdoor.
And for the first time in a year, something loosened inside my chest. Not happiness—at least not yet.
Relief.
Because the trap had sprung exactly where I planned it.
Judge Kline held the letter thoughtfully.
“Before we discuss enforcing any agreement,” she said, “I need clarification regarding the financial disclosures submitted to this court.”
Ethan’s lawyer blinked. “Your Honor, disclosures were made in accordance with—”
