The remaining six incidents were examined one by one, and in each, Lena had acted to protect Adrian rather than advance Marlowe interests. She had made no profit.

Secured no additional power. Demanded no favors.

At 12:46, Judge Reese read the decision. “The dissolution request is dismissed in full.”

Lena sat completely still. Then she let out one quiet breath.

Adrian did not touch her. He wanted to take her hand. He wanted to apologize again. He wanted to ask whether saving her family had repaired any part of what he’d broken.

But he had finally learned that wanting access to someone did not create a right to it.