Chapter 2 - THE DIVORCE WRITTEN BEFORE SHE ESCAPED.
Mrs. Whitmore recognized Judge Malcolm Price, a family friend whose campaigns had received Whitmore donations for twenty years.
The divorce order transferred Claire’s savings, home and future trust rights to Ryan.
It also stated she had abandoned the mansion after a “mental-health episode.”
Claire looked at Diane.
“You made me cry on camera so they could call me unstable.”
Diane lifted her chin.
“You came from a waitress’s family. No court would choose your story over ours.”
Mrs. Whitmore replied, “That belief is why families like ours become criminal before they become embarrassed.”
Ryan claimed Claire had signed a postnuptial agreement willingly.
The signature looked genuine.
Claire remembered being handed papers after her mother’s funeral while Diane told her they were insurance forms.
Mrs. Whitmore ordered the household staff to remain as witnesses.
One maid stepped forward.
“We were told we would lose our jobs if we spoke.”
Then the maid produced another recording.
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It showed Diane paying Judge Price in the mansion library.
Ryan was standing beside them—and Claire’s late father was visible through the doorway.
