Chapter 14 - JEREMY ASKED BLAIRE TO CALL EDITH’S MONEY A FAMILY LOAN
The divorce was nearly finished when Jeremy asked for one last favor.
A wording change.
Again, the smallest sentences carried the most expensive consequences.
The settlement described Edith’s $350,000 as money transferred to Carter Coastal after representations that it would support an economic interest associated with Blaire’s property.
Jeremy wanted:
Family loan to support shared household and business needs.
Blaire read it.
“No.”
Jeremy’s attorney said:
“This wording would make repayment treatment cleaner.”
Rachel replied:
“It also changes the factual basis.”
Jeremy looked at Blaire.
“Mom did mean it for family.”
“She meant it for house equity.”
“She wanted security.”
“I know.”
“This language could help resolve her tax treatment.”
“Then her tax lawyer can describe what happened accurately.”
Jeremy exhaled.
“Why does every word have to become a fight?”
Blaire almost smiled.
“That question used to work on me.”
He stopped.
She continued.
“For years I gave up facts because arguing about them felt petty.”
Jeremy looked down.
“I know.”
“No. I don’t think you did.”
She placed the draft on the table.
“The $350,000 was not a household loan. It was not my loan. I never knew about it. We are not turning the record into something easier because truth is administratively inconvenient.”
No one argued after that.
The original description stayed.
Outside the conference room, Jeremy stopped Blaire.
“I am sorry.”
She waited.
“For Mom?”
“For all of it.”
He struggled.
“For letting her hurt you.”
Blaire’s expression changed.
“You didn’t let her.”
Jeremy looked confused.
“She chose that.”
Blaire continued.
“What you did was spend seventeen months teaching her I was the reason she felt powerless.”
His eyes filled.
“Yes.”
“That is what you apologize for.”
Jeremy nodded.
“I’m sorry.”
Blaire believed him.
May you like
She also knew believing an apology did not create an obligation to reopen a marriage.
The divorce papers were signed eight days later.
