Chapter 4 - The Fracture
The color drained from Gregory’s face. Ashley froze, her hand still resting on Gregory’s arm, her eyes darting between the two men.
"That's impossible," Gregory stammered, stepping toward Pendelton. "I checked the corporate charters! That trust expired three years ago!"
"It expired for unmarried beneficiaries," Pendelton corrected, offering a paper copy of the registered filing. "By marrying Ashley before 5:00 PM today, you triggered an automatic acceleration clause. As of 11:15 AM, Madeline is the 100% equity holder of the parent holding firm. Furthermore, all personal guarantees you took out to finance your new penthouse are now backed by non-existent collateral."
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Ashley let go of Gregory’s arm as if he had caught fire. "Gregory... what is he talking about? You said you owned eighty percent of the firm! You said she was getting practically nothing!"
Gregory stared at his attorney, who had just rushed down the courthouse steps, phone in hand, looking pale. One look at his lawyer's expression told Gregory everything he needed to know.
