Rowan called Gideon directly, which attorneys do not appreciate, and said he wanted to discuss a fair resolution. Gideon relayed this to me over coffee, still no sugar, with the particular expression lawyers wear when they are trying not to smile.

The settlement was fair. I kept the Marblehead property, my investment accounts, and my grandfather’s stake, none of which Rowan had any claim to since none of it had touched marital funds. He kept the corporation, the trust, the watches, and the suits I had organized by season for three years. It was the prenup, honored completely, which he had signed believing it protected him and which turned out to protect me instead.

The Slack message was read by everyone. Some people found it inappropriate. Some found it clarifying. Sabine resigned three weeks after the announcement, which I had not asked for and did not engineer. I mention it only because people always ask.