«Mr. Pierce, three months before filing for divorce, you transferred $75,000 of marital funds to Ms. Veronica Ashford for her pharmaceutical startup. Is that correct?»
Brandon glanced back at Veronica in the gallery. She was staring straight ahead, her jaw tight.
«It was an investment,» Brandon said. «A business decision.»
«A business decision made with marital assets without your wife’s knowledge or consent,» Judge Henderson said. «That’s called financial infidelity, Mr. Pierce, and in this court, it matters.»
She set down the papers and folded her hands, looking at Brandon with an expression I’d never forget. Pure contempt.
«Let me make sure I understand the situation,» she said slowly. «Your wife dropped out of college to support you. She worked three jobs simultaneously for six years, paying 100% of your living expenses. She took out a personal loan of $45,000 to cover your tuition when your student loans fell short.»