Chapter 12
---
## CHAPTER 7: The Name on Page Four
Derrick stepped away from the seating area and called the number back.
It rang twice.
A woman answered.
Her voice was careful and professional, the kind of voice that measured each word before releasing it.
"Mr.
Derrick Hayes?"
"Yes.
Who is this?"
"My name is Sonya Caldwell.
I'm an attorney.
I've been contacted by a former employee of Whitmore Capital regarding certain provisions in a prenuptial agreement that was filed last week."
Derrick moved further from the nearest guests.
"I'm listening."
"The agreement you signed contains a transfer clause on page four, subsection C.
Are you looking at a copy right now?"
"I don't have a copy on me."
"I'll describe it.
The clause transfers controlling interest in a property trust — specifically the Hartwell residential portfolio — to the Whitmore family in the event that the marriage is dissolved within the first thirty-six months, including dissolution prior to consummation."
"Meaning if I call off the wedding today—"
"The trust transfers automatically," Sonya said.
"Without additional signatures.
Without your participation."
"What is the Hartwell portfolio worth?"
A brief pause.
"Approximately four point three million dollars.
It was placed in the trust in your name eighteen months ago by your firm's senior partners as part of a retention agreement.
I believe you understood it to be a straightforward employment asset."
Derrick leaned against the corridor wall.
"Who moved it into the prenup?"
"Mr.
Whitmore's office requested the modification to the trust structure.
May you like
The modification was processed by an attorney at a firm that also represents Whitmore Capital."
"And my firm's partners — do they know?"
