The formal spot arrived the following Tuesday. Utilities transferred back. Mail forwarding canceled. Thirty days to vacate. A complaint filed with the district attorney for identity theft, mail fraud, and attempted property fraud.

Everly exploded. “You can’t do this! I have rights!”

“You have the right to leave voluntarily,” I said evenly.

Samuel, to his credit, didn’t waver. “Everly, what you’ve done is illegal. Dad’s being generous.”

Her last card was desperation. “Fine! I’ll go. But I’m taking my son, and you’ll never watch him again.”

Samuel’s face rugged. “No, Everly. I’m filing for divorce. And I’ll seek full custody. A mother who commits fraud against her own child’s grandparents doesn’t deserve unsupervised custody.”

For the first time, Everly looked mastered.

The divorce was hasty. The judge, appalled by her attempted fraud and threats, granted Samuel custody with Everly limited to supervised visits. She received probation and community service for her crimes.