The Prenuptial Agreement Was Not Enough
When the hearing resumed, the tone had shifted.
Gavin no longer leaned back in his chair.
Sloane stopped whispering.
Philip chose his words more carefully.
Judge Beckett asked me to explain the ownership records.
“I provided the initial investment,” I said. “The company was formed using funds from my inheritance and secured by my personal guarantees. Gavin handled daily operations. I managed administration, finances, compliance, and contracts until our sons needed more of my time.”
Philip stood.
“Mrs. Bellamy, were you paid a salary?”
“No.”
“Then you were not technically employed by the company.”
“I deferred compensation because the business needed the cash to survive.”
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 in his name.”
Philip paused.
Judge Beckett turned another page.
“There is also a transfer agreement dated six years ago. It appears incomplete.”
“I never signed it,” I said.
Gavin spoke before his attorney could stop him.
“Because she refused.”
I looked at him for the first time.
“You gave it to me three days after my aunt’s funeral and told me it was routine paperwork.”
Judge Beckett examined the document.
“This agreement would have transferred her ownership interest to you for ten dollars.”
Sloane inhaled sharply.
Gavin lowered his eyes.
