Parker reached for my hand.
“Are we still going to live with you?”
“I am going to do everything I can to keep your life safe and steady.”
Nolan looked toward Gavin.
“Dad said Sloane already chose our bedrooms.”
Before I could answer, the clerk called everyone back into the courtroom.
The Prenuptial Agreement Was Not Enough
When the hearing resumed, the atmosphere had changed.
Gavin no longer leaned back in his chair.
Sloane stopped whispering.
Philip spoke more carefully.
Judge Beckett asked me to explain the ownership records.
“I provided the original investment,” I said. “The company was formed with money from my inheritance and backed by my personal guarantees. Gavin managed daily operations. I handled administration, finance, compliance, and contracts until our sons needed more of my time.”
Philip stood.
“Mrs. Bellamy, did you receive a salary?”
“No.”
“Then you were not technically employed by the company.”
“I deferred compensation because we needed cash to keep the company operating.”
He opened the prenuptial agreement.
“This document states that business assets held in Mr. Rourke’s name remain his separate property.”
“That is correct.”
“Then why should it not apply here?”
“Because the majority shares were never held in his name.”
Philip stopped.
