Derek blinked.
Claire said nothing.
I stared at her.
“You knew?”
Her eyes filled with something.
Not remorse.
Fear.
“How long?”
“Cole—”
“How long?”
She swallowed.
“Two years.”
The words struck harder than Derek’s punch.
“How?”
“When Robert died, his estate attorney sent a notice. You were deployed for consulting work in Dubai. I opened it.”
“I wasn’t deployed.”
“Whatever. You were gone.”
“I sold ventilation systems to a hospital project.”
She looked away.
I laughed once.
My whole marriage had become surreal.
Rebecca continued quietly.
“Claire apparently discovered a clause in the trust.”
Martin nodded.
“If the marriage ended through voluntary dissolution, occupancy rights terminated and sole beneficial possession reverted to you, Mr. Mercer.”
Derek’s face went pale.
“And if Cole abandoned the home?” Rebecca asked.
Martin answered.
“If he permanently vacated under certain documented conditions, Claire could petition for continued occupancy.”
