Daniel’s team argued first. They claimed the $48 million sale was a previously undisclosed marital asset, described Evelyn’s silence about the auction as deliberate concealment, and suggested Samuel Reid had coordinated with her to depress the paintings’ value before the settlement.

Rebecca waited until Daniel’s attorney finished. Then she stood.

“The petitioner asks this court to rescue him from an opinion he expressed repeatedly — publicly, privately, and finally under oath in a signed agreement.”

She placed the settlement on the evidence table. “He did not accidentally overlook the paintings. He specifically requested that they be transferred to Mrs. Mercer.

He rejected an appraisal. He dictated their value. He described them as worthless for years. Now that strangers disagree, he would like the court to pretend he never believed his own words.”

Judge Brooks looked toward Daniel. “Mr. Mercer, did you instruct your attorneys to value the collection at one dollar?”