Chapter 4 - THE MONEY HE DIDN'T KNOW EXISTED
Adrian called his attorney.
“Review Claire's accounts.”
His attorney, Daniel Price, was silent for several seconds.
“Adrian, I can't disclose your wife's private finances without authorization.”
Adrian frowned.
“You handle our family assets.”
“Your marital assets, yes.”
“Then tell me what she owns.”
Daniel sighed.
“Adrian, your wife has maintained independent financial interests throughout your marriage.”
Adrian stared.
“What interests?”
“Businesses.”
Silence.
“Businesses?”
“Yes.”
Adrian leaned back.
“What businesses?”
Daniel hesitated.
“You should ask Claire.”
Adrian's jaw tightened.
“I'm asking you.”
“Then I can only discuss what is publicly available.”
Adrian stared at the wall.
“Fine.”
Daniel continued.
“Mrs. Vale is the founder of Mercer Community Holdings.”
Adrian frowned.
“Never heard of it.”
“It's a nonprofit development organization with several affiliated social enterprises.”
He paused.
“And she owns a separate commercial property management company.”
Adrian sat forward.
“How much is it worth?”
“I can't give you a verified valuation.”
“Estimate.”
Daniel refused.
But he sent Adrian publicly available filings.
Adrian opened them.
Property records.
Corporate registrations.
Annual reports.
Grant announcements.
His wife's name appeared again and again.
CLAIRE MERCER VALE — FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
He stared at the screen.
Then saw a photograph.
Claire standing outside a renovated apartment building.
Smiling.
Holding a ceremonial key.
Beside her stood a group of families.
The caption read:
Mercer Community Holdings Opens Its Fourth Affordable Housing Development.
Adrian's mouth went dry.
His wife hadn't been sitting at home waiting for him.
She had been building something.
May you like
Something important.
And he had never bothered to ask.
