“Six months ago my firm offered a different partnership track,” she explained calmly. “I became a capital partner instead of salaried, which required a three million dollar contribution, so I secured a loan against my private trust fund.”
Elliot raised his eyebrows in surprise.
“The trust from your grandmother that he never knew about,” he said slowly.
“It is solely in my name and established long before the marriage,” Avery confirmed. “The loan is structured as a business investment rather than personal income.”
“My equity stake will not finalize for another eighteen months,” she continued, her tone precise and controlled. “On paper I am heavily in business debt with almost no liquid assets available.”
“The capital does not count until consolidation,” Elliot agreed, now beginning to understand the full picture.
“The house is also under a second mortgage from last year’s renovations,” Avery added, maintaining the same calm expression.
Elliot allowed himself a small smile.
“So what is he actually entitled to if he files today,” he asked.
“Roughly two hundred thousand before legal costs,” she answered.
“Does he know about the second mortgage,” Elliot asked.