Chapter 7 - THE PENTHOUSE
Brian filed a request through his attorney for access to the penthouse.
He had lived there during marriage.
That created legal questions.
Ownership and occupancy are not always identical.
So I did not change locks secretly and throw his belongings into the street.
My attorney handled it.
A temporary order established who could enter while the criminal investigation and divorce proceeded.
Charles?
No.
Patricia?
Only with my permission.
Lauren?
No.
Brian?
Limited scheduled access to retrieve personal property, accompanied according to the agreed protocol.
The first time he returned, building security escorted him.
I chose not to be there.
He collected:
Clothes.
Books.
Golf clubs.
Family photographs.
His watch box.
Then he asked for the espresso machine.
I laughed when Naomi told me.
“Let him have it.”
“You bought it.”
“I don’t care.”
Not every object needs litigation.
The penthouse stayed mine subject to whatever marital claims counsel needed to analyze for improvements and contributions.
The deed alone did not erase marriage.
But the original purchase was mine.
The overwhelming source of acquisition funds was traceable to my premarital assets.
That mattered.
Brian had contributed to some renovations and shared expenses.
Those issues were valued.
Nobody got to say:
Mine because I said so.
Not even me.
May you like
That was the difference between law and Charles.
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