She opened a thin green binder.

“At eleven thirty yesterday morning, Robert converted those assets into restricted irrevocable education trusts.”

Melissa blinked at her.

“What does that mean?”

“It means the principal of eighty-four thousand dollars per child is legally locked,” Margaret said.

“First National Bank manages the money independently.

Not you, not Brandon, not even Robert can take out one dollar for anything except accredited college tuition once the children turn eighteen.”

Brandon’s head snapped up.