It was actually a demand that I trade my voice for a little financial breathing room.

I had declined in writing.

I did not call Julian names.

I simply requested full financial disclosure and a parenting arrangement based on Noah’s needs rather than unverified allegations.

The response came through Mercer: my refusal demonstrated that I was being difficult.

Now someone had photographed my door.

I did not know who.

I did not want to assume.