Diane’s dining room looked carefully prepared for something far more serious than dinner. Every detail was arranged perfectly, from the fine china to the leather folder placed directly in front of Elena’s seat. Nathan’s entire family was there, smiling warmly while Diane announced that they had wonderful news and only a little paperwork to complete before the baby arrived.

When Diane explained that the paperwork would transfer Elena’s apartment into a family trust managed by Nathan and Diane, Elena immediately recognized the trap. The apartment had been purchased entirely with her father’s inheritance, and the deed was in her name alone. Corinne had warned her that something like this might happen, but Elena had come prepared. As everyone watched her pick up the pen, they expected her to sign quietly. Instead, she placed the pen back on the table and reached into her own bag.