Chapter 9: The Full Account
The page showed a holding company.
Registered six years ago.
Julian listed as a silent partner.
The primary registered partner was a name I didn't recognize — but Patricia did.
"This is a shell structure," she said.
"The holding company owns two properties.
Neither of them is in Julian's name directly, which is why they didn't appear in any of your joint financial records." She turned the page.
"But the money that funded the initial investment came from here."
She pointed to a line in the bank records Eleanor had kept.
A transfer.
Dated eight years ago.
From the joint account Julian had accessed without my knowledge.
"He used our money," I said.
"He used your money," Patricia said, "to fund an investment he hid from you, that has been generating returns for six years, that he has been quietly drawing from through the holding company." She sat back.
"This is not a small amount, Claire."
She told me the figure.
I stared at the page.
"He had this," I said, "while he told me we needed to tighten the budget."
"Yes."
"While I was driving forty minutes each way to care for his mother."
"Yes."
"While he was in Maui."
Patricia didn't answer that.
She didn't need to.
---
Julian's attorney called the following morning.
Julian wanted a meeting.
In person, both attorneys present, to discuss resolution.
Patricia agreed.
We set a date.
The meeting was in a conference room on the fourteenth floor of a building downtown.
Julian was already seated when we arrived.
He had a new suit.
He looked composed in the way of someone who had decided on a strategy and was committed to it.
His attorney, a woman named Deborah Crane, nodded at Patricia.
Professional.
Careful.
"Thank you for coming," Deborah said.
"Of course," Patricia said.
We sat.
Julian looked at me once, then looked at the table.
"My client would like to propose a settlement," Deborah began.
"Before we discuss figures," Patricia said, "I'd like to address the holding company registered six years ago, the two properties held within it, and the initial transfer of funds that originated from the joint marital account."
Deborah's expression didn't change.
Julian's did.
"We're prepared to discuss those assets as part of a comprehensive settlement," Deborah said.
"I'm glad to hear it," Patricia said.
"Because if we are unable to reach an agreement today, we will be requesting a full forensic accounting of all transactions associated with that holding company for the past six years.
We will also be filing an amended disclosure request that includes any accounts held under associated entities." She paused.
"We've already identified three candidates."
Julian's hand moved on the table.
He didn't speak.
"My client's position," Patricia continued, "is straightforward.
Full and fair division of all marital assets, including those held through the holding company.
The house Eleanor left to Claire remains outside the settlement, as it was a direct bequest.
Julian retains no claim to it."
"That's a significant ask," Deborah said.
"It's the accurate one," Patricia said.
Deborah leaned toward Julian and said something quietly.
Julian's jaw worked.
He looked at me again, and this time he held it.
"You really want to do this," he said.
Not a question.
"You left me very few other options," I said.
"I could still produce that box," he said.
"Whatever's in it—"
"Julian." Deborah put her hand on his arm.
He stopped.
"Produce it," I said.
"I mean that.
Whatever Eleanor kept in that box, produce it.
I'm not afraid of it.
I'm not afraid of you." I held his gaze.
"I was afraid of you for a long time.
I spent twenty years being careful around your moods and your silences and your reasons for not coming home.
I'm done being careful."
The room was very quiet.
Julian looked at his attorney.
She gave a small, almost imperceptible shake of her head.
May you like
He looked back at the table.
"What are your terms," he said.
