Chapter 12 - BERENGER’S STORY
Berenger agreed to a recorded civil deposition.
His criminal lawyer limited some questions.
Fair.
He admitted controlling the joint card.
Why?
“Ianthe was spending recklessly.”
Examples?
Nursery furniture.
Food delivery.
Maternity clothing.
One $900 stroller.
That one was expensive.
I admitted.
Did we have budget discussions?
Yes.
Did I sometimes ignore them?
Yes.
Did that justify removing access entirely?
He said:
“I thought temporary restriction was reasonable.”
Then food.
“Did you prevent Ianthe from eating on the morning of the incident?”
“I delayed breakfast while we discussed documents.”
Delayed.
The word made me cold.
“Did you tell her hunger might teach obedience?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I was angry.”
Then the pit.
“Did you intend to bury her?”
“No.”
Good.
We never alleged a murder attempt.
“Did you intend to prevent her from leaving until she signed?”
Long silence.
“Yes.”
There.
Then:
“Did you know she was eight months pregnant?”
“Obviously.”
“Did that affect your decision?”
“I believed the soil was loose and physically harmless.”
Medical judgment by a CEO.
Then board.
“Did losing your position increase your urgency?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because Gideon had spent years arranging the company so my future depended on his family’s approval.”
That was Berenger’s core grievance.
He believed Dad had invited him into leadership but never surrendered real power.
He married the founder’s daughter.
He became CEO.
Still he felt like an employee with a family leash around his neck.
Then my shares became symbolic.
If I pledged them to support his investment vehicle, he would no longer feel like a guest in the company.
That was his explanation.
Not logical.
Emotionally coherent.
Then:
“Did Ianthe owe you that?”
Berenger looked toward his lawyer.
Then:
“No.”
Progress? Maybe.
Or legal coaching.
Then:
“Why did you keep pushing?”
“Because every time Gideon disagreed with me, Ianthe ran back to him.”
That hurt.
Because I did.
Dad was my safety net.
Sometimes too much.
Then Berenger said:
“I thought she chose her father’s company over our marriage.”
I answered later in my own statement:
“He turned refusing to pledge my property into proof I didn’t love him.”
Both of us had built symbols.
May you like
Only one of us used hunger and confinement.
That distinction stayed clear.
