"I could just... not divorce you. Wait until after you claim the prize, then file. Half that money would still be mine, wouldn't it? Even if it gets frozen and tied up in court for a year or two..." I tilted my head. "Can you afford to wait?"
His expression curdled.
He knew I was right.
If this divorce didn't happen now, ownership of that windfall would become a legal nightmare.
Delay meant risk. For them, not me.
I let myself smile, just a little. Time to twist the knife.
"My terms are simple: house transferred to my name, car repairs paid, $200,000 returned. Miss even one, and I won't sign."
"We can drag this out as long as you want. See who breaks first. Hint—it won't be me."
I turned as if to head back to my room.
"Wait!"
Ryan's voice cracked with urgency. He shot a desperate look at his mother.
I caught the conflict churning in her eyes.
"Joy..." His tone shifted, pleading now. "Can't you give us a few more days? That's not pocket change. I really can't get it together all at once—"
"Tomorrow."
I didn't flinch.
The longer this dragged, the more chances they'd catch on to my game.
"Non-negotiable."