The Cost of Erasing the Woman Who Built Your Entire Empire
“We need to find the addendum,” she said.
“What addendum?” I asked.
“Your father was a cautious man, Vivian,” Diane said.
She stopped on a page with a blue backing sheet.
“He had Arthur draft a protective clause before the final signature.”
I leaned forward, setting my tea on the corner of the desk.
“I don’t remember any clause,” I said.
“It was signed three days before the wedding,” Diane said. “Grant was desperate for the cash to secure his first land parcel.”
She pointed to a paragraph near the bottom of the page.
“It states that if either party attempts to hide, transfer, or liquidate marital assets without mutual written consent during a period of marital estrangement, the entire prenuptial agreement is voided.”
I read the words slowly.
“And if the prenup is voided?” I asked.
“Then we revert to California’s standard community property laws,” Diane said.
A small smile appeared on her lips.
“But with a severe penalty clause,” she added. “Any assets transferred fraudulently are forfeited entirely to the injured party.”
“That would mean the Maribel,” I whispered.
“It would mean everything,” Diane said.