The temporary protective order is granted.
Jason is barred from your parents’ house, your residence, and direct contact. The inheritance is confirmed as protected separate property pending further proceedings. He is ordered to preserve all financial records.
His attorney looks miserable.
Jason looks furious.
Outside the courtroom, Megan is waiting by the elevators.
You almost walk past her.
She steps forward.
“Olivia.”
Mr. Thompson moves slightly in front of you, but you stop.
Megan looks different.
No perfume. No confident smile. No crossed arms. Her eyes are red, and her hands shake around a manila envelope.
“I need to give you something,” she says.
You do not reach for it.
“What is it?”
She swallows.
“Proof.”
Jason turns from across the hallway.
His face goes white.
“Megan,” he says sharply.
She flinches.
That tiny movement tells you more than her words do.
