Chapter 10 - The Emergency Hearing
Tuesday morning dawned gray and stormy, rain lashing against the courtroom windows.
I walked into the courthouse with my head held high, carrying Leo in his car seat.
Marcus and Eleanor were already seated at the defense table, looking incredibly pleased with themselves.
Marcus wore a new custom Italian suit, clearly bought with my stolen money.
Eleanor gave me a pathetic look, whispering something to Marcus that made him chuckle.
Judge Sterling entered the room, his face stern and unreadable as he took the bench.
“Court is in session. We are here to revisit the matter of temporary support and custody,” the judge announced.
Marcus’s lawyer stood up immediately, practically vibrating with overconfidence.
“Your Honor, we reject the plaintiff's desperate settlement offer and request full custody for Mr. Vance,” he stated.
He argued that I was homeless, financially unstable, and emotionally unfit to raise a child.
Judge Sterling looked over his glasses at me, a silent question in his eyes.
Sarah stood up slowly, calmly buttoning her suit jacket.
“Your Honor, my client is only financially unstable because the defendant committed felony wire fraud,” Sarah declared loudly.
The entire courtroom fell dead silent.
Marcus’s smug smile vanished instantly, replaced by a look of sheer panic.
“Objection! That is an outrageous and baseless accusation!” his lawyer yelled, waving his hands.
Sarah calmly opened her briefcase and pulled out the thick stack of bank records.
“I have certified documents proving Mr. Vance transferred ninety thousand dollars to an offshore account,” Sarah continued.
She walked over to the judge's bench, handing the files to the bailiff.
“Furthermore, he used marital funds to purchase real estate for his pregnant mistress,” Sarah added, turning to face Marcus.
May you like
Eleanor let out a loud gasp, pressing a hand to her pearl necklace.
The trap had sprung, and the jaws were closing tight around Marcus Vance.
