«Third, because Mrs. Morrison sacrificed her education and earning potential to support your career, she is awarded compensatory spousal support of $4,000 monthly for six years, the equivalent of what she could have earned with the college degree she gave up for you.»
«Fourth, the $75,000 you transferred to Ms. Ashford must be returned to the marital estate and divided equally.»
She looked at Brandon one more time. «By my calculation, your wife walks away with approximately $450,000 plus ongoing support. You, Mr. Pierce, walk away with a lesson I hope you remember: Success built on someone else’s sacrifice isn’t yours alone. You owe her everything, and you gave her nothing. This court is correcting that.»
Brandon exploded out of his chair. «This is insane! She was just a cashier. She didn’t pass the exams. She didn’t do the surgeries. She didn’t…»
«She made it possible!» Judge Henderson slammed her gavel so hard I felt the vibration through the table. «Every hour she worked, every dollar she earned, every dream she gave up—that’s what built your career. The fact that you can’t see that proves exactly why she’s better off without you. We’re adjourned.»