He couldn’t.
Then she asked why, minutes after the alleged accident, he had texted Nicole: Come by after lunch. She’ll hand it over or I’ll put her out myself.
The courtroom became very quiet.
Ryan looked at his own attorney as though betrayal might somehow be hiding there. Nicole stared at the floor.
The judge granted the protective order.
Two months later, Andrea secured a settlement faster than Ryan expected and on terms he despised. The townhouse had been purchased after our marriage, but most of the down payment came from my inheritance, and my documented contributions were greater. Ryan couldn’t afford to buy me out once his overtime dried up and Nicole stopped gaining access to his money. The house was sold. The proceeds were divided according to the agreement. His truck, his debt, and every account connected to his sister remained with him.