I gasp. “What?”
His expression is one of very mild surprise. “I told you already.”
I remember, but I thought he was just being outrageous for the sake of being outrageous!
Samantha continues, “Then there’s the matter of alimony. Ten million, provided that the marriage lasts at least twelve full months.”
I must’ve not had enough tea or something. I didn’t sleep much last night. “Wait. What did you say?”
“Alimony. Ten million dollars, assuming you both stay married for at least twelve full months, and the divorce isn’t caused by you cheating on him or something like that. Basically, irreconcilable differences is the only way for the alimony to be collectible. And the trust for any children will be fully controllable by Ryder until they come of age.”
I shake my head. “But—”
“It’s set.” Samantha puts her hand on the table, fingers splayed. “You can’t ask for more even if you stay married for years and years before you split.”
“I don’t understand.”
She gives me a bland smile that silently rebukes me for my apparent greed. “It’s really quite generous, since you probably aren’t bringing many assets to the marriage. Almost everything of value seems to belong to Ryder. Regardless, you need a lawyer to go over the agreement with you.”
“I don’t need a lawyer.” I wish Ryder and I were alone so we could talk about this “alimony.” What is he thinking, telling her to give me that ridiculous sum on top of the trust for the child? And what is this thing about child support? He knows the baby I’m carrying isn’t his.
“Yes, you do. I won’t have the prenup invalidated because you didn’t have proper legal representation. If you need a referral, try Craig Richmond. He’s quite good.”
I’ve heard of him. He specializes in Hollywood celeb divorces. And is freakishly expensive. “I can’t afford someone like that.”
“I’ll handle it.” Ryder squeezes my hand. “Samantha, can you give us a moment?”
“Sure.” She gets up, checking her Rolex. “Let me know when you’re ready. Just FYI, I have another appointment in about half an hour.” She leaves, closing the door behind her.
“I can’t do this,” I burst out.
“Of course you can. It’s not that much money.”
“But twenty-five million for a child that isn’t even yours? And ten million on top of that for alimony? What are you thinking?”
“You said you didn’t want Shaun to have any influence over the baby. Right? Okay, so your ex won’t have any kind of sentimental hold over him, but what about money? That’s different. People do a lot of stupid things for money.” Ryder’s gaze hardens. “I’m trying to remove the temptation. Your child won’t ever get into something he shouldn’t because he needs money. That’s all.”
“But it’s too much. And child support too?”
He puts a palm up. “Not negotiable. The child deserves to be taken care of.”
“Ryder, look. I would’ve never agreed to the whole thing if I knew you were going to do this.”
The expression on his face slips. “Why not? Isn’t it enough?”
“Not enough…? What kind of person do you think I am?”
“A practical type.”
“The amount you’re proposing is out of proportion.”
He drops his hand, shrugs. “It’s not that much.”
My jaw will probably break at the rate it keeps hitting the floor.
Unable to sit still, I get up. “You’re crazy. I mean, I knew Hollywood types were crazy, but this is insane.”
“It’s not a Hollywood thing.” He stands as well. “Successful husbands usually end up giving a lot more than that to their wives when they divorce. Just watch. Even my uncle’s probably going to end up giving something to my aunt despite the prenup.”
“But they’ve been married for decades. They have five children together.” I stop and shake my head. Why am I bothering? Movie stars never make any sense anyway.
“It’s just a little insurance to ensure you’ll be all right. I told you my grandfather’s paintings are worth over fifty million apiece.”
He takes a step toward me, closing the distance.
I back up slightly and encounter the edge of the conference table. “So you’re going to hand over more than half its value?”
“Far less than half, doll. The portrait has sentimental value to me. Besides, I want to make sure you’re taken care of no matter what. You can do whatever you want with that money. Find your true passion, live life the way you want…without having to worry about putting food on the table or a roof over your head.”