I worked two jobs to help fulfill my husband’s dream of becoming a doctor — at his graduation, he handed me divorce papers, but just as I was walking away, one of his classmates said, “Before you leave, there’s something you should know.”

If you receive another one, same procedure.” A pause.

“The financial contribution to the hospital foundation — do you have any documentation of that, or is it currently only Mia’s account?”

“Currently only Mia.

Daniel said she’s willing to speak directly with me.”

“I’d like to speak with her too, with your permission.

If we can get her account on record, and if there’s any paper trail connecting the contribution to the placement timeline, that becomes significant leverage.” Another pause.

“Not leverage in a threatening sense.

Leverage in the sense that it strongly incentivizes Nathan’s side to settle quickly and fairly rather than drag this into a prolonged dispute.”

“That’s what I want,” I said.

“A fair settlement.

Not a war.”

“Then let’s build the case for a fair settlement.” I could hear her writing something.

“The joint account withdrawals — do you have access to the account records?”