“Caleb, please,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “You wouldn’t. I’m your mother.”

“Protocol Zero was always just the day I stopped subsidizing you,” Caleb said, turning back to the judge. “Your Honor, as the sole holder of the debt, I’m calling in the loans — all of them, effective immediately.

Every one is in default. I’m foreclosing on Harrington Manor, the penthouse, and the vehicles, and seizing the remaining liquid assets to cover it. Lawfully, and on the record.”

“You can’t do this!” Celeste screamed, tears of genuine terror spilling down her contoured cheeks. “You’re leaving me with nothing! I’ll be in the street!”

“No,” Caleb said softly. He turned back to me, the coldness melting into something fiercely protective. “I’m leaving you exactly what you earned.”

The judge slammed her gavel. “Petition for temporary guardianship is denied with prejudice. Petition for annulment is denied. Federal agents, you may proceed with your arrest and remove the prisoner from my courtroom.”