The money had moved through accounts connected to businesses already under investigation.
Richard stared at the summary.
The amount was significant.
Enough to affect both children's educational futures.
For several moments, he could not speak.
Then he whispered, "They took money from my children."
The attorney leaned forward.
"The records suggest unauthorized transfers. We need to complete the review and establish who approved them."
Richard nodded.
He had learned to respect that distinction.
But his hands still trembled.
Laura had tried to provide for their children.
She had created accounts because she wanted them to have opportunities even if something unexpected happened.
And Nicole apparently used access to those accounts while telling Maya that she had no money for college.
Richard looked toward the attorney.
"Why the pregnancy test?"
The lawyer considered.
"Timing may be relevant."
Richard leaned forward.
"Maya had just asked about her trust."
"According to the records, yes."
"And Nicole tried to convince me Maya was irresponsible."
The attorney nodded.
"That may have been part of an effort to discredit her questions."
Richard closed his eyes.
He remembered Nicole's voice in the kitchen.
Your daughter is out of control.
She needs consequences.
She can't be trusted.
For years, those claims had shaped the way he viewed Maya.
Now he realized Nicole's criticism often intensified whenever Maya asked about money, school records, or Laura's belongings.
Richard pressed his hand against his forehead.
Then whispered, "She wasn't protecting the family."
The attorney waited.
Richard looked up.
"She was protecting herself."
Nicole received notice of the expanded financial investigation several weeks later.
Her attorney contacted Richard's counsel.
She denied wrongdoing.
Claimed the trust transfers were authorized.
And insisted Richard was allowing his grief to distort his judgment.
Then she requested a private meeting with him.
Richard refused.
Through the attorneys, he offered to discuss necessary financial or marital matters with appropriate representation present.
Nicole reacted angrily.
She sent him a message accusing him of destroying their marriage.
Then another reminding him that she stood beside him after Laura died.
Then a third.
You were nothing without me during those years.
Richard read the message.
For a moment, he felt the old shame.
He had been devastated after Laura's death.
There were months when he struggled to function.
Nicole did help with practical matters.
She brought food.
Answered calls.
Managed schedules.
Reminded him of appointments.
That history was real.
But so was what she had done afterward.
One act of assistance did not excuse another act of harm.
Richard did not respond.
He forwarded the communications to his attorney.
Then returned to the kitchen, where Ethan was attempting to build a model bridge from wooden sticks.
The boy looked up.
"Dad?"
Richard smiled faintly.
"What's this?"
"A bridge."
"I can see that."