Two days after my wedding, my mother-in-law fired the maid, tossed me an apron, and ordered me to earn my place. My husband stayed silent. I smiled, knowing one phone call could destr0y their comfort.

Then Daniel entered carrying a folder.

“Mom, you need to sign these before Monday.”

My knife stopped.

Evelyn lowered her voice.

“Is this about the refinancing?”

“Yes.”

Daniel glanced at the papers.

“If Hawthorne Capital doesn’t extend the loan, Mercer Development has thirty days before the covenant default becomes public.”

I almost admired the timing.

Hawthorne Capital was our fund.

Evelyn looked in my direction and gave a dismissive laugh.

“Not in front of the help.”

Daniel laughed with her.

Something inside me went very still.

I placed the knife down and carried a tray into the dining room.

When I came back, the folder was open beside Evelyn’s wineglass.

The numbers confirmed what I had already suspected.

Mercer Development was in worse condition than Daniel had admitted before our wedding.

Three properties were heavily overleveraged.