Chinese businesswoman gave $420,000 for subordinates divorce, later demanded reimbursement after cut up

Updated on: Sept 21, 2025 02:56 pm IST

A Chinese businesswoman misplaced her case after paying her subordinate’s divorce settlement and later demanding the cash again.

A businesswoman in Chongqing, south-western China, turned embroiled in a courtroom dispute after paying three million yuan (US$420,000) to her youthful married subordinate as a way to finish his marriage. The entrepreneur, recognized solely by her surname Zhu, later demanded the cash again when the connection collapsed, in keeping with a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

A Chinese businesswoman funded her subordinate’s divorce however didn’t reclaim the cash when their relationship ended.(Representational picture/Pexels)

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The youthful man, often known as He, had joined Zhu’s firm whereas each have been married. Zhu shortly developed emotions for him and the 2 started an affair. They agreed to divorce their respective spouses and begin afresh collectively.

Payment to facilitate divorce

To assist He separate from his spouse Chen, Zhu transferred three million yuan on to Chen. The sum was described as compensation for the divorce and as monetary help for the upbringing of their baby. With the cash paid, He finalised his divorce and moved in with Zhu.

However, after a yr of dwelling collectively, the couple determined they have been incompatible. Zhu then filed a lawsuit towards He and Chen, demanding the return of the complete quantity.

Conflicting courtroom rulings

In the primary trial, a Chongqing courtroom dominated in Zhu’s favour, stating that the fee breached public order and good morals, thereby constituting an “invalid present.” As a outcome, the courtroom ordered He and Chen to refund the cash.

Chen and He appealed. The case reached the next courtroom, which disagreed with the preliminary judgement. Citing proof examined by the Huashang Daily and reported by SCMP, the appellate courtroom mentioned Zhu had didn’t show the fee was a private present to Chen. Instead, it was thought to be cash He owed his spouse as a part of the divorce settlement and for child-rearing bills.

Appeal courtroom’s resolution

The upper-level courtroom additionally criticised Zhu’s conduct, observing that she had used her wealth to hasten He’s divorce after which sought to reverse the transaction when the romance faltered. The judges famous her lack of integrity in making an attempt to reclaim the fee underneath such circumstances.