Chapter 13 - THE MARRIAGE HEARING
Grant did not immediately divorce Julia.
He first sought a family-court order clarifying guardianship and contact.
Because she was a stepmother, not adoptive parent.
Grant remained legal parent.
Julia had no independent custody right once Grant returned unless separately established.
Still, marriage mattered.
He asked her:
“Why did you hit Ben?”
Julia answered:
“Because I lost control.”
No excuse.
Then:
“Why twice?”
She cried.
“Because he said he wanted Molly, and I hated her more every time he said it.”
Ugly.
Honest.
Then Grant asked:
“Did you want the trust money?”
“Yes.”
“For yourself?”
“Partly.”
There.
She said:
the mansion expenses were enormous.
Grant had structured household support through trust-related systems.
She feared losing status and security if his estate became tied up.
Then:
“I wanted authority because I was terrified.”
Fear.
Power.
May you like
Money.
All together.
