Chapter 8: Financial Warfare
Diane's POV
I sat at the polished oak table in Joan's office, my fingers tapping nervously. Tension was palpable in the air as we waited for Liam and his attorney to show up. My best friend turned lawyer Joan was doing a final check through our files.
Joan looked up from her papers and added, "Remember, Diane, we have the upper hand here." We have a lot of credible evidence."
I nodded and touched the folder containing screenshots of text messages, hotel receipts, and pictures that proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Liam had an affair with my sister Sophie. Although the betrayal still hurt, it now strengthened my resolve.
We both looked up as there was a loud knock on the door. Liam and Richard Holbrook, his lawyer, were brought in by Joan's assistant. When our gazes locked, I noticed a glimmer of familiarity and discomfort beneath Liam's typically haughty exterior. He was aware of what was about to happen.
"Let's get this over with," Liam murmured, taking his seat across from me.
Holbrook cleared his throat and set out a stack of documents. "We've prepared a settlement offer that we believe is more than fair, given the circumstances."
Joan quickly skimmed through the papers as she grabbed for them. Her lips pressed into a narrow line, and I watched as her eyebrows wrinkled.
"Fair?" Sliding the paperwork back across the table, Joan scoffed. This is demeaning. Mr. Ashton, my client is entitled to half of your joint assets. This is not even close to what is offered."