I'm trying to hold on to respect for Gretchen but?

I absolutely think that is the only reason she stayed with Jeff, because of his money. In those photos of her kissing Slade, you can see she still has on that big rock of an engagement ring from Jeff. Poor guy, he would have been better off spending his last time on Earth with his children instead of that gold-digger. And I am glad Tamra called her out on it!