Chapter 5 - The Deposition
The conference room at Daniel’s law firm was encased in floor-to-ceiling glass, offering a panoramic view of the city skyline. It was a room designed to intimidate, and as Evan and his sleazy discount lawyer, Richard Vance, walked in, I could tell it was working.
Evan looked dreadful. His suit was wrinkled, he hadn't shaved in days, and he exuded the sour smell of stale alcohol and sheer panic. He avoided looking at Emily, who sat tall and immaculate beside me in a tailored emerald green suit.
"Let's make this quick," Richard Vance blustered, throwing a thin folder onto the table. "My client is willing to settle this quietly. We’re asking for fifty percent of the marital assets, a two-million-dollar severance package for his termination, and joint custody of Lily. In exchange, we won't go to the press about the hostile work environment at Hartwell Dining."
Daniel didn't even blink. He slowly opened his leather briefcase and pulled out a single, thick binder, sliding it across the table.
"Mr. Vance," Daniel said smoothly. "I highly suggest you review page four before you continue embarrassing yourself."
Vance frowned, flipping the binder open. As he read, the color drained from his face. He looked at Evan, his eyes wide with shock. "You told me you only moved a few thousand dollars for tax purposes."
"I did!" Evan stammered, sweating profusely.
"Page four details wire transfers totaling $2.8 million to an offshore account in the Cayman Islands, managed by your mother, Gloria," Daniel stated loudly for the stenographer. "Page twelve details the fraudulent private equity loans. And page twenty-five is a thumb drive containing four hundred hours of security footage showing your client physically threatening his wife."
Evan leaped up from his chair. "That's illegal! You can't record me in my own house!"
"It is my house," I corrected sharply. "And the cameras were installed for security, which you signed a consent form for three years ago. You just forgot they existed because you are arrogant."
Daniel leaned forward. "Here is our counter-offer. You will sign a full confession regarding the embezzlement, which we will hand over to the District Attorney. You will sign away all parental rights to Lily, effective immediately. You will agree to an uncontested divorce, walking away with nothing but the clothes on your back."
"Or what?" Evan spat, though his voice was cracking.
"Or," Daniel smiled like a shark, "we let the private equity investors know exactly where you are staying, we release the security footage to every major news outlet, and we let the FBI handle the fraud charges. You won't just be broke, Evan. You will be in federal prison."
May you like
Evan looked at his lawyer, desperate for a lifeline. Richard Vance slowly closed his briefcase and stood up.
"Evan," the lawyer said quietly. "Sign the damn papers. Because as of right now, I am dropping you as a client."
