The yacht reservation came through Simone’s own booking system 3 days ago. Derek used a fake name, but the credit card was joint. The booking agent, who did not know Derek personally, processed it like any other client. Simone saw the reservation. She checked the guest name. She cross- referenced the credit card and then she pulled the surveillance footage.
Now she sat in Patricia Monroe’s law office, a glass building downtown with views of the city skyline. Patricia was 52, sharp as a blade, and had never lost a high asset divorce case. She wore her gray hair in a short professional cut and her reading glasses on a chain around her neck.
“Walk me through everything,” Patricia said, her pen poised over a legal pad. Simone handed her the folder from Jordan. My husband is having an affair. He has been using joint funds to support it. He lied to this woman about who he is and what he owns. And today, he brought her onto one of my yachts, pretending to own the company.
Patricia flipped through the documentation. Her expression did not change, but Simone saw the slight tightening around her eyes. Anger, maybe, or just focus. Your prenuptual agreement protects your business assets, Patricia said. Anything you own before the marriage or built with premarital funds is yours. He cannot claim Carter Maritime Group.
What about joint accounts? We freeze them immediately. You will need to establish separate accounts and transfer your personal funds. He will have access to half of whatever was earned during the marriage minus what he misused. He misused a lot. Patricia smiled. It was not a kind smile. Then we document every dollar and make him account for it.
If he used marital funds for gifts to another woman, that is dissipation of assets. The court does not look kindly on that. Simone felt something loosen in her chest. Relief maybe or vindication. I want this done quickly, Simone said. I do not want drama. I do not want a long court battle.
I just want him out of my life. Patricia looked at her directly. You will get exactly that. But Simone, you need to prepare yourself. You will fight back. Men like Derek do not go quietly. He built his entire identity around being the successful one. When he realizes you own everything he pretended to own, it will hurt his ego and he will lash out.
“Let him try,” Simone said quietly. Patricia nodded. “Good. Then let us get to work.” They spent the next hour drafting divorce papers, asset protection orders, and injunctions. Patricia made calls to financial adviserss and forensic accountants. Simone signed documents, authorized investigations, and prepared for war. When she finally left Patricia’s office, the sun was setting.
The Azure Dream would be docking soon. Simone drove to the marina, parked in her reserved spot, and walked to the main dock. She stood there, arms crossed, watching the horizon. At exactly 8:00, the Azure Dream appeared in the distance, its white hole gleaming in the twilight. Miguel guided it expertly into the slip. And there on the deck stood Dererick and Amber, still laughing, still oblivious.
Simone did not move. She just watched as they disembarked as Dererick tipped the crew with her money as he walked Amber to his car. He never even looked in Simone’s direction. He had no idea she was there. But tomorrow, he would know everything. Tomorrow, the empire she built would crush the lies he told. Simone did not sleep that night.
