Chapter 6 - DANIEL'S BEST DEFENSE
Daniel hired Lauren Pierce.
She did not argue the confrontation was acceptable.
She separated issues.
First:
the domestic incident.
Daniel claimed he grabbed Emma impulsively during a chaotic argument.
He denied intending to threaten her with the knife.
He said the knife was picked up while reaching toward the counter and held away from Emma.
Video from a kitchen camera partly contradicted that.
He clearly picked it up after restraining Emma.
Still, there was no blade-to-child contact.
Second:
the necklace.
Daniel argued Claire had broadly authorized him to use household assets to support the business.
Claire said no.
Then Lauren produced texts.
DANIEL:
If things get tight, are you okay with me using anything we have to keep the company alive?
CLAIRE:
Within reason. We’re a family.
Another:
DANIEL:
Would you ever sell your mom’s jewelry if we had to?
CLAIRE:
Only if Emma needed something serious.
Daniel later replied with a heart.
Lauren said:
not consent to pledge,
but evidence that finances were discussed.
True.
Then Daniel’s strongest point.
For years, company income paid:
mortgage,
private school,
vacations,
insurance,
household expenses.
Claire benefited from risk when it worked.
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That did not authorize forgery.
But it made the marriage financially intertwined.
