Weeks earlier, when Mike demanded a divorce, Nicole didn’t argue. She let him take it all, playing along as if she didn’t care. What Mike forgot, though, was the contract her mother, Barbara, had on the house. Barbara’s investment gave her the right to live there indefinitely.

The day after the move, Mike called, furious. Nicole sipped her coffee, smirking as Barbara scolded him in the background.

Freedom never tasted so sweet for Nicole.