Chapter 4 - VANESSA'S CLAIM
Vanessa’s version was not:
Ryan still loves me.
Not exactly.
She believed Ryan had never properly terminated their engagement agreement.
Separate from the equity agreement, they had signed a private relationship contract.
Not enforceable as a marriage.
But financially relevant.
They had purchased:
a condo,
furniture,
travel,
and company shares
with mixed funds.
Vanessa said Ryan promised:
“If we break up, we unwind everything before either of us marries.”
Claire looked at her.
“Did he sign that?”
Vanessa produced a scan.
PRIVATE SEPARATION AND ASSET RESOLUTION MEMORANDUM.
Ryan’s signature.
Vanessa’s signature.
It listed:
loan repayment,
condo sale,
furniture,
tax reimbursement,
Northline equity option.
Final clause:
Neither party shall knowingly take action materially impairing the other’s unresolved financial rights before completion of this memorandum.
Grace read it carefully.
“This does not prevent marriage.”
Vanessa frowned.
“It means he had to settle with me.”
“Maybe.”
Claire asked:
“Why slap me?”
Vanessa looked ashamed.
“I thought you knew.”
Claire stared.
“Knew what?”
“That he was marrying you before closing our agreement.”
“You thought I knew he was still financially tied to you?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Vanessa hesitated.
“Because he told me you reviewed the prenup.”
Claire went still.
May you like
She had reviewed a prenup.
But Vanessa’s name never appeared.
