Chapter 9 - THE DOCUMENT HE WANTED ME TO SIGN
The morning Adrian hit me, he placed three documents on the dining table.
One was a separation proposal.
Not final divorce papers.
A private settlement outline.
I would move temporarily to one of Dad’s residences after delivery.
Adrian would remain at Bellemont pending legal resolution.
Custody to be negotiated.
Financial terms subject to prenup.
Nothing binding until counsel.
Then a second document.
A confidentiality agreement concerning Crownline information.
Broad.
Too broad.
My lawyer would never have approved it as drafted.
Then the third.
A letter to Dad.
Different from Teresa’s lunch draft.
Shorter.
I acknowledge that the Vellaro family has occupied the flagship properties with the expectation of long-term continuation and I support reasonable documentation of that expectation for financing purposes.
No.
I pushed it away.
Adrian said:
“It doesn’t bind him.”
“Then you don’t need it.”
“It shows family alignment.”
“We’re separating.”
“Exactly why it matters.”
There.
I stared.
“You want me to certify family alignment while you’re planning to marry Camille?”
His face changed.
“Who told you?”
“You did. Eventually.”
Then he made his mistake.
“You’re leaving anyway. Sign it and make this painless.”
“No.”
“You’ll get nothing.”
“No.”
“The prenup protects me.”
“It protects both of us.”
“Your father can take care of you.”
“Yes.”
He hated the answer.
Men who threaten poverty need you to fear it.
I did not.
Then:
“Bellemont stays with me.”
I looked at him.
“No.”
“It’s my home.”
“You lease it.”
“My family has been here twelve years.”
“Check the deeds.”
That was later.
Before that came the question:
“Why do you need me gone before Crownline closes?”
He stopped.
Then I said:
“Is Camille’s committee being told Dad has effectively guaranteed those sites?”
Silence.
I understood enough.
“You used our marriage as the guarantee.”
He stepped toward me.
I did not move.
“You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I know Dad never promised renewals.”
“You poison everything.”
“No. I read it.”
Then:
“Dead weight.”
May you like
The slap came after.
Chapter Ten belonged to everything behind it.
