Chapter 9 - THE HUSBAND WHO SAID LOVE AND BUSINESS WERE DIFFERENT
Daniel finally sat for deposition.
Maya asked:
“Did you love Claire when you married her?”
“Yes.”
“Did you know her mother owned Bennett Heritage shares?”
“Yes.”
“Did you know Harold intended to keep control of those shares after Eleanor’s death?”
“I knew there was a family arrangement.”
“What arrangement?”
“I didn’t ask.”
“Why?”
Daniel looked irritated.
“Because business was separate.”
Claire almost laughed.
Separate.
Then:
“Did you tell Claire her mother owned shares?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“My father said it was being resolved.”
“Did you think Claire had a right to know?”
Long pause.
“Yes.”
“Then why didn’t you tell her?”
Daniel looked at Claire.
“Because I knew it would create conflict.”
There.
Again.
Truth hidden to avoid conflict.
Conflict later used to justify violence.
Then Maya asked about the dinner email.
I’LL HANDLE HER.
Daniel said:
“I meant persuade her.”
“By threatening her?”
“No.”
“By taking her hand to an active stove?”
Daniel closed his eyes.
“I lost control.”
Maya replied:
May you like
“You had been trying to control the result for five years.”
Silence.
