It was the first time they had seen each other since the night Daniel ordered her out.
Daniel looked at Claire’s wrist.
The bruise was gone.
He seemed relieved.
That irritated Claire more than she expected.
The mediator explained the process.
Illinois law would determine the division of marital property.
Claire’s inherited trust assets had remained separate throughout the marriage and generally qualified as nonmarital property.
Daniel had no automatic claim to her $180 million inheritance simply because they were husband and wife.
His expression tightened, even though his attorney had already told him the same thing.
The house, joint savings, retirement contributions accumulated during marriage, and certain business interests would still require negotiation.
Daniel entered mediation assuming Claire’s wealth would make her indifferent to marital assets.
Instead, Claire was meticulous.
She did not ask for everything.
She asked for accuracy.
Every withdrawal from their joint accounts needed documentation.
Every payment connected to Mercer Development needed to be traced.
Every debt carrying Claire’s name needed to be verified.
“You have more money than you could spend in ten lifetimes,” Daniel said during a break. “Why does any of this matter?”
Claire looked at him across the table.
“Because it was ours when you thought I was poor.”
Daniel flinched.
She continued.
