I had understood them better than he ever realized.
Grace opened the folder to a section marked in yellow.
“My client maintained handwritten records of the restaurant’s finances for years. These records correspond with the original bank statements and tax documents. They show that Mrs. Hale personally contributed the initial capital for the business, managed payroll, negotiated with suppliers, and worked without a regular salary during the restaurant’s early years.”
“She was helping her husband!” Victor snapped. “That’s what wives do!”
The judge looked at him.
“Are you suggesting that marriage automatically erases a person’s financial contributions?”
Victor fell silent.
Grace continued.
“More importantly, Your Honor, the documents show that Mr. Hale’s claim that his wife was never involved in the business is contradicted by his own earlier filings.”
She placed an old partnership agreement in front of the judge.
My name appeared on the first page.
EVELYN MARIE HALE — FIFTY PERCENT OWNERSHIP INTEREST.
