The first serious disagreement between Preston and Naomi came not over money but over a schoolyard remark.

A classmate had told Theo that rich people could buy anything, even a new mother.

Theo came home furious and announced that he did not want Preston picking him up again.

Naomi asked what had happened, and the boy burst into tears.

‘They said Dad bought us!’ he shouted.

Eli retreated beneath the kitchen table with Meteor.

Preston arrived for the scheduled visit to find the twins refusing their coats.

His instinct was to call the school principal and insist on an immediate meeting.