There was a time I would have given anything for this kind of warmth. An orphan's hunger for family runs deep.

Now, all I felt was cold.

The moment I sat down, Cynthia walked over with the divorce papers and set them in front of me.

"Marcus. Just sign."

I scanned the document, taking in every clause.

I'd braced myself. But when my eyes landed on the words relinquish all marital assets—something still twisted behind my ribs.

I wasn't a live-in son-in-law. I'd never taken a dime from her father. The house downtown—I'd bought it. I'd spoiled Cynthia like a princess.

I didn't pick up the pen. I closed the agreement and set it aside.

Walter's eyes narrowed to slits. "What—you won't sign?"

I shook my head. "Just hold on."

"You came into this family with nothing. Don't tell me you think you're entitled to a share of my assets." His voice rose. "Don't even dream about it!"

Beside him, Cynthia's tone was flat and distant. "Marcus, don't push your luck. You should understand—between my family and Adam's, we have more than enough power to make sure you never find your footing anywhere again."

"Letting you walk away empty-handed is already generous."

I lifted my gaze to meet hers. "Is that so? By that logic, I should be thanking you all for sparing my life?"

Cynthia's jaw tightened. "That's right. You need to recognize the gap between us."

The gap.

A faint smile crossed my face. "You don't need to tell me. I see it perfectly clearly."

"I'll sign. But first, you answer two questions."

Walter erupted instantly. "Who the hell do you think you are, making demands of me?!"

But Adam held up a hand, stopping him, and smiled.

"Uncle Walter, don't rush. Let's hear what ridiculous question he wants to ask first." Adam's gaze slid toward me, loaded with meaning. "Besides, he's signing today whether he wants to or not."

Walter let out a cold laugh at that.

I ignored them both and spoke evenly.

"First question. How much profit have your two families pulled in over the last few months?"

Walter had no intention of answering, but Adam waved him off—said I should get an education on what real money looked like.

Walter sneered. "Pruitt Corp brings in roughly ten million a month."

"Even a tenth of that is more than you'd earn in a lifetime."

Adam smiled thinly. "Impressive, Uncle Walter. Though Henson Corp edges you out—fifteen million."

I nodded. "Second question. Where do your major clients come from?"