What was unusual was the allegation buried in the paperwork: Michael claimed Karen had been diverting money from their joint accounts to finance a secret relationship.
The accusation was completely false.
Karen had used a small amount of her own savings to pay the bookstore’s initial expenses, and every transaction was documented.
But Michael had done something clever.
He had taken legitimate transfers between their joint accounts and presented them without the surrounding records, making ordinary financial activity look suspicious.
Karen’s attorney was furious. “This is a pressure tactic,” she told Karen. “He wants you frightened enough to accept an unfavorable settlement.”
Karen sat in the office with her hands clasped.
“What happens if he keeps doing this?”
“We answer with the records. We request the complete financial disclosures. We document every allegation.”
“And if he tells Daniel?”
Her attorney paused.
“Your son is an adult. He deserves the truth, but we should not allow your husband to turn him into a messenger.”
