Part 9: The Deposition
Part 9: The Deposition
The mandatory divorce deposition took place two weeks later in the main, soundproofed executive conference room of Aureum Dominion's headquarters. Grant sat on one side of the massive, custom-built mahogany table, flanked by a tired, incredibly expensive defense attorney who looked like he wanted to be anywhere else on earth.
Elena sat directly opposite him. She looked radiant, her advanced pregnancy glow highlighted by a simple, flawlessly tailored ivory silk dress. She didn't look angry; she looked like a supreme court judge delivering a predetermined sentence.
Grant, thoroughly broken by the pressure, tried to play the angle of the aggrieved lover.
"Elena, please. Look at me," Grant pleaded, his voice shaking. "We had a real life together. Okay, I admit it—my mother was incredibly harsh, and I didn't defend you enough. I was weak. But destroying my father’s life's work? Taking my entire career? Stripping us of everything? That is vindictive, even for you."
Elena didn't say a word. Instead, her lead corporate counsel, a legendary white-collar shark named Arthur Vance, laid a heavy, leather-bound folder on the table with a firm thud.
"Mr. Whitmore, let’s be entirely precise for the record," Arthur said, opening the folder to reveal pages of financial ledgers. "While you were busy treating your wife like a second-class citizen, our forensic accounting team was reviewing your department's books. We have uncovered systemic, long-term embezzlement of corporate funds within your division at Aureum Dominion. You used our capital to pay for your family's private jet travel, Diane's jewelry accounts, and Vanessa's luxury penthouse lease. This is no longer a civil divorce dispute, Mr. Whitmore. This is an active criminal embezzlement investigation."
Grant’s face turned an ashen, sickly gray. He looked at Elena, his lifetime of manufactured arrogance entirely drained away.
"Elena... please," he whispered, tears forming in his eyes. "I'll sign the divorce papers today. I'll waive all parental rights. I won't ask for a single dime. Just... please don't send me to federal prison."
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Elena leaned forward slightly, her gaze piercing through him.
"You thought I was a burden, Grant. You thought I was helpless because I chose quiet grace over loud conflict. I gave you six months of marriage to show even an ounce of basic human decency. You showed none. You reap exactly what you sow."
