Chapter 6

After the wedding, I went directly to Bramwell & Associates.

Elliot had already prepared the asset freezing application, the evidence index, and the grounds for the civil claim.

I changed out of the dress in the firm's bathroom. I walked back into the conference room feeling like I'd stepped from one version of my life into another.

Elliot pushed a document across the table.

"This will be a grind. You should know that."

"I'm not afraid of work."

"It's not the work." He looked at me. "It's that they'll keep coming at you through emotion, reputation, guilt. They'll try to wear you down."

I met his eyes.

"Do you think I'll fold?"

He was quiet for a moment. Then he did something almost imperceptible — a brief, very quiet smile.

"No."

That was the first time I saw Elliot Bramwell smile.

It was faint. But it was something.