You’re sorry because you accidentally hurt the sole heiress of Charles Brooks.”

Tears began to track down his face. “Just let me see my son.”

“My son will be completely insulated from your presence until a federal judge dictates otherwise,” I said, standing. “And believe me, our litigation team already holds an unassailable archive: spousal abandonment, gross medical negligence, written threats, systematic emotional abuse.

You are going to execute the uncontested divorce papers. You are going to sign a complete waiver on every asset tied to my estate. And if you try to contest the permanent custody terms, you’ll have to explain to a federal judge exactly why a five-day-old newborn required a transit-bus commute so you wouldn’t miss a family steak reservation.”

Dominic buried his face in his hands, completely shattered.

I turned toward the exit. Before my hand touched the brass handle, I paused and looked back at him one final time.