I don’t think he lost half his fortune. The details haven’t been made public. California law gives 50% to each spouse, but Gates doesn’t live in California.
Whatever it was that he gave to his ex, it’s still a point of vulnerability. Whether it be $5 billion or $10 billion, or whatever, it was still too much money to let go in his mind.
Quite right. Gates’ mansion was on the shores of Lake Washington to the east of Seattle. Washington State is also a “community property” state with no-fault divorce law. He may (or may not) have lost 50% of his fortune to Melinda. She may have settled for less to avoid the embarrassment of Billy Boy’s dirty deeds in association with Epstein. I doubt anyone will rat him out. He’s the money train for so many.