Chapter 14 - Matthew's Offer
Matthew tried to settle everything on day six.
Not through me.
Through Henry.
The proposed agreement arrived at 7:40 in the morning.
Matthew would consent to an immediate divorce.
He would transfer his interest in the penthouse.
He would waive claims to certain marital assets.
He would issue a private apology.
In exchange, I would decline to cooperate beyond what was legally required in the criminal investigation, agree not to pursue civil claims, and direct Northstar not to challenge NexusCore's license.
I read the document at my father's breakfast table.
Then I laughed.
My mother looked over her coffee cup.
"What's funny?"
"He still thinks everything has a price."
Henry sat across from me.
"Most disputes do."
"This one doesn't."
He closed the folder.
"I assumed you'd say that."
My father frowned.
"Why even show her?"
"Because it's her decision."
I appreciated that.
"Does Matthew have authority to transfer the penthouse?"
Henry hesitated.
"That's complicated."
"Why?"
"The mortgage was paid off three years ago."
"I know."
"The funds came from an account linked to TMG."
I stared at him.
"So the penthouse may have been paid for with company money."
"Potentially."
My mother set down her coffee.
"He bought his wife a home with money he was funneling through his mistress?"
Henry lifted a finger.
"Allegedly."
My mother glared at him.
"Henry."
He sighed.
"Yes."
I covered my eyes.
The absurdity was almost unbearable.
"What about our other accounts?"
"Frozen pending tracing."
"My money too?"
"Some jointly held funds."
I nodded.
"Fine."
My father immediately objected.
"It isn't fine."
"It is."
"Clare."
"I have clothes."
"A room."
"Food."
"Medical care."
I looked at him.
"I don't need access to questionable money."
He leaned back.
He understood.
Henry reopened the folder.
"There's one more part of the offer."
"What?"
"Matthew wants a mutual non-disparagement agreement."
I stared at him.
Then I laughed again.
This time my mother joined me.
Even my father smiled.
Henry waited patiently.
When I finally stopped, I wiped tears from my eyes.
"Tell his attorney no."
"That's all?"
"No counteroffer."
"No negotiation?"
"None."
Henry nodded.
"I'll send it."
My father watched him leave.
Then he looked at me.
"You know Matthew may fight harder now."
"I know."
"He may attack your reputation."
"He already has."
"He may blame you for NexusCore's losses."
"I know."
"He may drag this out for years."
I pushed my chair back.
My ribs still hurt when I stood.
"Then he'll drag it out."
My father rose too.
"I spent seven years making decisions based on what Matthew might do if I upset him."
May you like
I looked toward the windows.
"I'm done organizing my life around his reactions."
