“He built a litigation file.”
I laughed despite myself.
“That sounds like him.”
“It was absolutely him.”
Then Samuel became serious.
“Do not engage your mother or sister directly about the legal issues anymore.”
“Understood.”
“If they want mediation, we can consider it solely to establish their position. But do not offer money simply to buy peace.”
“I wasn’t planning to.”
“Good.”
Two days later, Chloe appeared at my office.
She brought Ethan.
And a lawyer named Martin Kessler.
Chloe looked unrecognizable.
No makeup.
Messy hair.
Oversized sweater.
Eyes red.
At first I felt guilty for noticing.
Then she began crying before she had even sat down.
Kessler opened a leather portfolio.
“We are here in good faith.”
I almost laughed.
He slid a document across my conference table.
It was a settlement proposal.
Chloe wanted $450,000 representing half the lake property’s appraised value.
She wanted $100,000 in emotional-distress compensation.
She wanted $60,000 for wedding-related losses.
She wanted $85,000 toward student and consumer debt.
Total:
$695,000.
I read the number twice.
Then I looked at Chloe.
“You want almost seven hundred thousand dollars.”
Her lower lip trembled.
“I want fairness.”
“You inherited ninety-five thousand.”
“That is nothing compared with what you got.”
“You want me to pay your student loans because Grandpa left me a house?”
Kessler intervened.
“Mr. Harrington, litigation will be expensive.”
I looked at him.
“Then don’t file it.”
“The reputational consequences could also be significant.”
There it was.
Not law.
Pressure.
My construction company worked on commercial projects.
Reputation mattered.
He knew it.
“You’re threatening my business.”
“I’m informing you of practical realities.”
I started laughing.
I could not help it.
Chloe’s crying increased.
Ethan looked furious.
Kessler said:
“I’m not sure what you find amusing.”
“This.”
I held up the proposal.
“This entire thing.”
Chloe shouted:
“I’m drowning!”
“You received sixty thousand dollars in cash.”
“It’s gone!”
The room went silent.
Even Kessler looked at her.
Chloe realized what she had said.
I leaned back.
“It’s gone?”
“That’s not the point.”
“It was less than six months ago.”
“You don’t understand my expenses.”
“No. Apparently I don’t.”
Kessler tried to redirect.
“We are not here to discuss spending habits.”
“You demanded I pay her debts. I think spending habits are relevant.”
Chloe stood.
“You enjoy this.”
“What?”
“Watching me struggle.”
“No.”