«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.»
She paused, letting the silence fill the room. «She sacrificed her education, her health, her youth, everything, so you could become a doctor. And when you finally succeeded, when you finally had money and status and a future, you decided she wasn’t worthy of you anymore.»
Judge Henderson leaned forward. «You called her simple. You called her disgusting. You gave $75,000 of her money to another woman. And now you stand in my courtroom asking me to give your wife almost nothing. Mr. Pierce, your arrogance is breathtaking.»
Brandon opened his mouth to respond, but Judge Henderson held up her hand. «Here is my ruling. First, you will repay the $45,000 loan plus six years of compound interest, totaling $63,000.»
She continued without pausing. «Second, Mrs. Morrison is entitled to 50% of all marital assets acquired during the marriage, including half the value of your home, half your retirement accounts, and half your investments.»
«Third, because Mrs. Morrison sacrificed her education and earning potential to support your career, she is awarded compensatory spousal support of $4,000 monthly for six years, the equivalent of what she could have earned with the college degree she gave up for you.»
«Fourth, the $75,000 you transferred to Ms. Ashford must be returned to the marital estate and divided equally.»