When Mona saw the thick stack of papers, her jaw clenched in frustration. “You really think you need to guard against me that much?"

Damn it, this little brat had even come prepared with a contingency plan. She was hell-bent on cutting off every possible escape for the rest of them.

There was no way those papers could just be signed. If Tristan put his signature down, any changes in the future would need Yvonne's approval. And with her attitude? Not a chance.

If those terms went into effect, what future could Mona expect for herself?

She threw Tristan a glare, her voice trembling with disbelief and anger. “Are you seriously going to sign that?"

Every line of her face read: if you sign, you'll have me to deal with. Damn it! All these years, he'd kept her at arm's length from the family's finances. Almost all the Schultz money was tied up in the family trust. She had the authority to manage household spending, but all that really meant was she could splurge a little more each month—always keeping receipts for Tristan to examine.

That was the bitter truth of life as a second wife: there was never a real chance to lay hands on the family fortune. She'd barely managed to squirrel away any savings of her own. Now Xander turns up with a daughter-in-law in tow, and whatever she wants is hers. If these papers are signed, what's left for Mona in this house?

Mona's expression shifted to one of wounded grievance. "If you go through with this, how are we supposed to survive?"

Yvonne cut in smoothly, "Oh, come on. You may not be a Schultz by blood, but you've taken care of Dad in this house for years. Do you really think I'd let you starve?"

Then she turned to Tristan, adding, “Dad, I'm not some kind of villain. All I'm saying is that the Schultz family's finances ought to be handled by those of us who actually belong to the family."

That emphasis-those of us who belong-was like a slap in Mona's face. Officially, she was Tristan's second wife. In reality, they'd never even bothered with a marriage license. Yale was his son, and that's the only reason Mona had a foothold in this home. After forcing Xander out, she had finally managed to feel like the woman of the house.

And now, with Yvonne and Xander both back, all of that was about to be snatched away.

In the end, after Yvonne's unrelenting pressure, Tristan looked through the documents. They basically gave her control over the family credit cards and oversight of all financial allocations.

To be fair, Yvonne hadn't cut them off entirely. The document specified that she'd send each household member a monthly allowance, deposited right into their personal accounts for their own expenses.

Once Tristan Saw that clause, he didn't hesitate-he signed. The papers also included terms about the company: since Xander was his son, and Yale had never shown` much business sense anyway Tristan had no objection to Xander taking charge and signed that, too.

Mona and Yale were practically livid as they watched Tristan cave in to Yvonne at every turn.

Yale finally snapped. "Dad, I'm your son too! You're handing everything over to Xander and his wife-what about Mom and me?"

So this was how it worked? The ones who threw the biggest tantrum got rewarded- first him and Mom, now Yvonne and Xander?

Tristan's face darkened. "Yvonne is pregnant. She needs peace. Let's not make trouble for her."

“But signing those papers only gives her peace—what about us?" Yale shot back.

Tristan's frustration boiled over. He snapped the folder shut, then turned to Yvonne. "What are your plans for them each month?"

The arrangement was in the paperwork. If she included that clause, she must have something in mind.

Yvonne stood and tried to take the documents from Tristan's hand, but he pressed his palm down to stop her. His eyes were sharp and searching. "Yvonne."

He wanted a clear, concrete answer about Mona and Yale's future.

"Oh, Dad, it's already spelled out. I'll handle it as long as I stick to the schedule there's nothing to worry If on about. If I'm ever late, that's me. You know I follow through. Just relax."

With that, she yanked the documents free from his grasp and tossed them to Xander.

Mona wasn't satisfied. "So what, exactly, are your plans for us?"

Damn her! Did she really think running this household would be so easy? If only she knew-one bit of trouble could make you head spin. Besides, she was still a newcomer i the Schultz house; the staff had all been there for years. Would any of them follow her lead without question?

That thought, at least, brought Mona a shred of comfort.