Marcus's lawyers arrive the next morning.
Three of them, sharp suits and sharper eyes, carrying briefcases that probably cost more than my old car. They spread documents across the dining table, transforming the lake house into a war room.
"Miss Chen." The lead attorney is a woman in her fifties with silver-streaked hair and the kind of confidence that comes from never losing. "I'm Catherine Wu. We've reviewed your case, and I believe we have grounds for emergency early access to your trust."
I sit down across from her. Marcus takes the seat beside me, close enough to support but not so close as to crowd. Viktor hovers near the door like a sentinel.
"What are the grounds?" I ask.
"Credible threats to your safety directly related to the trust fund's existence. Your father's gambling de
