The first page described a proposed restructuring of Albright Financial Consulting.

I had founded the business two years before marrying Spencer, using savings from my old job, a modest bank loan, and more evenings than I could count.

I knew its weaknesses, its growing pains, and its clients’ concerns.

I had celebrated hiring our first part-time assistant by buying supermarket cupcakes.

The agreement treated my firm as though it were simply a resource that had not yet been assigned the right owner.

Gertrude’s holding company would receive voting control.