Chapter 4 - THE PAPER IN DANIEL'S OFFICE
Rachel requested access to Daniel’s home office.
Daniel refused.
Richard said:
“The house is owned by my trust.”
Rachel corrected him.
“That doesn’t give us unlimited access to Daniel’s private files.”
Important.
They needed consent or legal process.
Claire said:
“I have access. It’s our shared office.”
She entered.
Daniel followed.
Too late.
On the desk:
TEMPORARY SEPARATION AND RESIDENCY ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
Claire picked it up.
It stated:
Claire Harlow voluntarily vacates the marital residence effective immediately.
The parties intend temporary separation.
Claire agrees Lily will remain primarily at the residence pending further parenting discussion.
Claire’s hands started shaking.
“You wanted me to leave Lily here?”
Daniel said:
“It was temporary.”
Richard’s face changed.
Claire kept reading.
One clause:
No admission regarding ownership or trust rights.
Rachel took a breath.
Smart drafting.
Not obviously fraudulent.
But the timing mattered.
Claire asked:
“When were you planning to give me this?”
Daniel said nothing.
Vanessa answered:
“Tonight.”
Everyone looked at her.
She realized she had spoken too quickly.
Claire stared.
“You knew?”
Vanessa crossed her arms.
“Daniel told me you were separating.”
May you like
“Before I knew?”
No answer.
