The Trial Before the Trial
Chapter 15 - The Trial Before the Trial
Adrian’s criminal trial was months away, but the divorce proceedings began immediately.
He demanded half of Elena’s marital property and claimed the Mercer Foundation patents had increased in value because of his business strategy.
His attorneys argued that public accusations had destroyed his reputation before conviction.
Elena’s attorney offered a simple settlement.
Each kept separate assets.
Adrian relinquished all claims to the foundation.
Elena would not pursue his interest in the penthouse, which federal authorities were likely to seize.
Adrian refused.
He requested a private meeting.
Elena agreed with lawyers present.
Adrian entered wearing a jail-issued suit for the court appearance. Without the martini, penthouse, and audience, he looked younger.
“I loved you,” he said.
Elena believed he expected anger.
She answered quietly.
“I know.”
The response unsettled him.
“You think everything was a plan.”
“I think the plan and the marriage existed at the same time.”
He leaned forward.
“Then you know I never wanted Ethan dead.”
“You wanted his evidence.”
“Charles lost control.”
“And you spent five years making the loss profitable.”
Adrian looked away.
He offered information about offshore accounts if Elena helped him obtain bail.
She refused.
He tried another approach.
“Your father used you too. He turned your birthday into a trap.”
“Yes.”
“He kept Ethan’s investigation secret.”
“Yes.”
“He is no better than me.”
Elena studied him.
“That is the difference between you. My father can be wrong without needing everyone else to be equally guilty.”
Adrian’s face hardened.
He had always treated comparison as innocence.
If others lied, his lies became ordinary.
If others controlled, his control became love.
Elena signed the final settlement proposal.
“You can accept this or let a judge divide what remains after restitution.”
Adrian stared at her bare neck.
“You stopped wearing your mother’s necklace.”
“The chain broke.”
“I can have it repaired.”
“It already was.”
She stood.
The answer was not about jewelry.
May you like
Adrian understood.
He accepted the settlement the next day.
