She Never Told You?

Arthur expected Victoria to beg him to return.

When she did not, he became more aggressive.

His attorney demanded half of Meridian Technologies, ownership of the family home, permanent financial support, and access to several investment accounts.

Arthur claimed he had sacrificed his career to support Victoria’s success.

In reality, he had continued working throughout the marriage and had used her contacts to expand his business.

The prenuptial agreement protected the company and most of Victoria’s premarital assets. However, Arthur believed he could frighten her into a settlement by threatening a public trial.

He sent messages warning that shareholders would lose confidence if details of their marriage became public.

Victoria saved every message.

Brooke also contacted her.

At first, Brooke pretended to be apologetic.

She said the affair had been unexpected. She claimed that Arthur had been lonely and that Victoria’s ambition had pushed him away.

Then her tone changed.

“The children need stability,” Brooke said during one call. “Arthur deserves enough money to give them the life they would have had as your children.”

Victoria nearly laughed at the cruelty of the sentence.

Instead, she replied, “Submit your requests through the attorneys.”

Arthur interpreted her restraint as weakness.

He began spending more openly. He used the corporate card to furnish Brooke’s apartment, hire a private nurse, and order two custom-made nursery sets.

Each charge was documented.

Victoria also arranged for an independent audit of Arthur’s connections to Meridian. The auditors discovered that he had promised confidential client introductions to investors in exchange for personal commissions.

He had exposed the company to enormous risk.

The board removed all his access privileges.