“Your grandmother Margaret designed that emergency clause specifically to get you out if your independence or financial safety was ever threatened,” Daniel said.

“If I file the activation affidavit, Cole’s legal authority over all trust-backed guarantees will be frozen within twelve hours.”

“Activate it right away,” I said.

“It will start an aggressive legal separation and an open court fight on Christmas Day, Lauren,” Daniel said, pausing three seconds before going on.

“He’ll know you’ve moved against him the moment the bank flags his firm credit line.”

“That’s what mothers are supposed to do,” I said.