Arthur Hayes looked down at the insurance rider on his desk, then closed his monogrammed leather folder with a heavy, silent motion.

Daniel pushed his chair back from the table and stood up, ignoring his lawyer’s hand reaching for his coat sleeve.

“Your Honor, this is a completely distorted picture of a simple family disagreement,” Daniel said, cutting his own sentence off halfway to force authority into his voice.

“My executive travel schedule was extremely demanding that week, and I was trying to manage unnecessary household medical expenses without causing a lot of panic.”

Judge Miller held up one hand, silencing Daniel instantly.