Chapter 25 - THE RULINGS
The arbitrator upheld Berenger’s removal as CEO.
The board acted within its authority.
The investigation was sufficiently independent.
His vested equity rights remained subject to existing plan documents.
His unvested executive awards were forfeited according to termination-for-cause provisions where applicable.
No extra punishment.
No secret confiscation.
He reimbursed company for agreed improper personal expenses.
Confidentiality obligations remained.
Could he compete later?
Where lawful, yes.
Could he “destroy” Vale Precision using company information?
No lawful right to do that.
Then family court.
Protective order against Berenger:
Two years.
No direct contact with me except through approved legal/parenting channels.
Stay-away distance.
No residence access.
No financial account interference.
No possession of my phone or devices.
No contact through Leandra.
After the baby’s birth:
Any initial parenting contact would be supervised at a professional family center pending further evaluation and court review.
No automatic overnight visits.
No Leandra present.
No discussion of financial disputes around the child.
Did the court terminate his parental rights?
No.
Not at a temporary protection hearing.
Realism mattered even when I hated it.
Then finances.
Joint funds remained divided only through lawful temporary orders.
My $70,000 escrow mistake corrected.
Final divorce accounting to follow.
My twelve percent shares remained separate absent later contrary finding.
House sale process authorized after my postpartum recovery period unless parties agreed to buyout.
Then Leandra’s order stayed.
Dad’s diversion had already closed after compliance.
Everyone received consequences fitting what they did.
No one disappeared into a cinematic prison van.
Then outside court, Berenger looked at me across the hallway.
For the first time in months, security stood between us but he did not test the distance.
He said through his lawyer:
“I want to know when she’s born.”
Our daughter.
I answered through Naomi:
“Your attorney will be notified of birth as required for the pending parenting case.”
Not:
I promise photos.
Not:
Never.
Process.
His face tightened.
May you like
Then he nodded.
That was the closest thing to restraint I had seen from him.
