“You didn’t ask.”
No one spoke after that. Patricia looked away, but I saw fear flicker in her eyes. She had known enough. Maybe not every detail, but enough to know Marcus had left a woman and children behind. To people like Patricia Reynolds, human beings only became real when paperwork made them expensive.
David handed Marcus another set of papers.
“There is an emergency hearing tomorrow morning. Until then, certain accounts and properties are restricted.”
“On Christmas Eve?” Patricia snapped.
“The court makes exceptions for child welfare and frozen assets.”
Ashley slowly removed her ring and placed it on the table. The sound was small, but final.
“Ashley…” Marcus whispered.
“Don’t say my name like it still belongs to you.”
