Patricia spent the next few days going through every document in the metal box. There were bank statements, tax returns, receipts from their home repairs, and records showing how both she and Daniel had contributed to their life together over thirty-four years. At the bottom, she found a signed financial agreement she had almost forgotten about. She read it twice, her hands trembling as she realized it might protect her from losing everything Daniel was now trying to claim. She took the documents straight to her attorney, who studied them carefully before explaining how they could strengthen her position in the divorce. For the first time since Daniel had served her those papers, Patricia felt something she hadn’t felt in weeks: hope.

Meanwhile, Daniel seemed convinced that the lottery money would soon belong entirely to him. He continued making plans for his new life, apparently believing Patricia would eventually accept whatever he offered. But when his attorney learned about the financial records and the agreement, the confidence began to fade. Patricia wasn’t trying to punish him or take more than she deserved. She simply refused to let thirty-four years of marriage be erased as if they had meant nothing. When Daniel finally called and asked whether they could talk privately, she agreed, hoping he might finally explain why he had chosen to betray her so suddenly.