Chloe’s fingers stopped above the open clasp of her purse, her gentle expression disappearing completely for one brief second.

“Arthur Miller is a legal aid lawyer who works out of a strip mall,” Chloe whispered, her mild tone turning sharp and bitter.

“Patrick already signed over the quiet-title deed for the house, so you’re fighting over property that’s already mine.”

“No judge has looked at that deed yet,” I said, buttoning the top of my coat.

“Judge Lawson enforces signed contracts to the letter,” Chloe said, smoothing her skirt once more as her calm composure came back.

“By the end of next month, you’ll have nothing.”