Chapter 13 - THE DIVORCE TERMS
Claire and Ethan divorced.
Not quickly.
Ethan fought valuation.
Claire fought disclosure.
Then both got tired.
Settlement:
Claire kept her personal accounts,
a negotiated share of marital investments,
the condo equity,
and compensation owed for her documented work in Carter Consumer Group.
She waived any claim to Evelyn’s future estate.
Explicitly.
Ethan kept:
personal investment accounts,
certain property,
and whatever future trust rights survived.
No fantasy destruction.
No one walked away with everything.
Then Ethan demanded the leather folder.
Claire laughed.
“What?”
“The original dinner documents.”
“They’re copies.”
He stared.
Of course.
Evelyn would never hand over originals.
Then Ethan asked:
“Did you enjoy it?”
“The dinner?”
“Watching my mother choose you.”
Claire thought.
“No.”
He did not believe her.
Claire continued:
“I enjoyed finally knowing what was true.”
That was different.
Then Ethan said:
“She’ll turn on you too.”
Claire nodded.
“Maybe.”
That answer bothered him more than denial.
Claire was no longer building safety around believing someone would never disappoint her.
Evelyn could make mistakes.
So could Claire.
Trust would be specific.
May you like
Not blind.
Then she left.
