“That child is the true heir, not you, Thomas!” she hissed, her voice cutting like glass. “The money goes to the child, and the child’s guardian controls the assets! Do you understand? You must divorce her before the baby is born, or she becomes the legal guardian! You will never be able to touch the principal of that trust without her signature!”

I didn’t cry. I didn’t panic. A cold, silent resolve, a feeling stronger than any fear, settled in my core. I understood. The risk wasn’t personal; it was existential. The battle had begun, and I was going to fight with every fiber of my being to protect my child and the future that was rightfully theirs. I would not allow greed to destroy my family.