Chapter 9 - Daniel’s First Settlement Offer
Daniel’s lawyer requested mediation.
Rebecca agreed.
They met in a conference room downtown.
Daniel looked polished again.
New suit.
Fresh haircut.
No visible panic.
That was his gift.
He could turn disaster into presentation.
“Rebecca.”
He said softly.
She did not answer.
His attorney proposed terms.
Daniel would move permanently out of the penthouse.
Rebecca almost laughed.
It was already sold.
Daniel would end his relationship with Chloe.
Not relevant.
He would withdraw claims against certain trust property.
Claims he was unlikely to win.
In exchange.
Rebecca would support his return as CEO.
The company would classify disputed transfers as executive advances.
She would keep the financial details private.
And they would pursue an “amicable marital separation.”
Rebecca listened.
Then she asked.
“What about the $2.9 million?”
Daniel leaned forward.
“It can be repaid.”
“By whom?”
“Me.”
“With what?”
His face tightened.
Daniel’s true liquid assets were far smaller than everyone assumed.
Some stock.
Retirement accounts.
A few personal investments.
Cars.
Watches.
No penthouse.
No Hamptons estate.
No massive hidden fortune.
His wealth had always been a mixture of company access and Rebecca’s family assets.
“How much cash do you actually have?”
She asked.
His lawyer objected.
Rebecca smiled.
“That answer is why we’re here.”
Daniel looked at her.
“Why are you doing this?”
She almost laughed.
“For twenty-three years, you told me I was too emotional when I asked questions.”
“Now you want emotion?”
He lowered his voice.
“We have a son.”
“Yes.”
“We have history.”
“Yes.”
“We built something.”
“Yes.”
“And you are willing to burn it down over Chloe?”
Rebecca stared at him.
“No.”
“I am willing to stop burning myself to keep it warm.”
Daniel looked away.
The mediation ended thirty minutes later.
No agreement.
As Rebecca stood to leave, Daniel said.
“You’ll regret humiliating me.”
She turned.
“You pointed at me and called me trash in my own home.”
His face went pale.
May you like
Rebecca continued.
“You don’t get to discover dignity after losing control.”
