"Think about it - my house is pre-marital property. Even with your name on it, you can't get everything - maybe two-thirds max. But your house was bought during our marriage, so I can claim half. You know who's losing here."

I waited silently as he continued, "Here's the deal - sell the house, give me $1 million, and we'll divorce peacefully. No messy court battles."

I laughed bitterly. "Why not just say you're trying to rob me of a ...