Chapter 8 - The Settlement
Four months later, the formal mediation room at the Westchester County Courthouse was bright and cold.
Sarah sat on one side of the long mahogany table, wearing an elegant dark green wool dress, her posture perfectly straight. Victoria Vance sat beside her, her hands resting on a thick stack of finalized legal agreements.
Across the table sat Ethan.
He looked ten years older. He had lost weight, his suit was slightly too large for his frame, and the polished confidence that had once defined him was entirely gone. He was accompanied by a overworked court-appointed public advocate because he could no longer afford private legal representation.
The terms of the settlement were absolute:
Sarah retained full ownership of the family home in Westchester.
The $1.2 million in stock options was split 70/30 in Sarah’s favor as compensation for marital fraud and diverted joint capital.
Ethan was required to pay child support based on his projected future earning potential, once his corporate suspension was lifted.
The Delaware LLC was dissolved, its remaining assets liquidated to pay off the outstanding back taxes Ethan owed for failing to declare secondary income streams.
"Mr. Miller," the mediator said, looking over his spectacles at Ethan. "Have you reviewed these terms with your counsel?"
Ethan didn't look at the papers. He looked at Sarah—at her clear eyes, her calm demeanor, her complete independence.
"I’ve reviewed them," Ethan said, his voice flat.
"Are you prepared to sign?"
Ethan picked up the pen. His hand shook slightly as he pressed the tip to the signature line.
"Sarah," he said softly, looking up one last time before signing. "I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for everything."
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"I know you are, Ethan," Sarah said quietly. "You're sorry you got caught. And you're sorry the life you stole from me wasn't enough to keep you warm."
Ethan signed his name, set the pen down, and hung his head in silence.
