Chapter 7 - THE MEDIA CIRCUS
The federal trial began three agonizing months later.
The courthouse steps were absolutely swarming with aggressive reporters, flashing cameras, and bright television lights.
I wore a sharp, tailored navy suit and walked with my head held incredibly high.
Agent Miller met me at the heavy metal detectors to personally escort me inside the building.
"Marcus’s legal team is going to try to tear you apart on that witness stand today," Miller warned quietly.
"They are going to attack your mental health, your marriage, and your personal finances."
"Let them try," I said, feeling an absolute, icy calm settle over my entire body.
When I entered the massive courtroom, Marcus was already sitting at the defense table.
He looked completely exhausted, his arrogant posture replaced by a nervous, twitching energy.
Sylvia was sitting at the prosecutor's table, having officially accepted a generous plea deal to turn state's evidence.
The judge slammed his heavy wooden gavel, bringing the chaotic room to total silence.
The prosecutor delivered a blistering opening statement, outlining the massive web of corporate deceit and offshore theft.
Then, they called me as their very first witness.
I walked up to the wooden stand, placed my hand on the Bible, and swore to tell the absolute truth.
Marcus's lead attorney, Richard Vance, immediately began his aggressive cross-examination.
"Is it not true that you were heavily medicated for severe anxiety during the last year of your marriage?" Richard demanded.
"I was prescribed medication because my husband was gaslighting me and stealing my family's property," I answered clearly.
The jury leaned forward, hanging onto every single word I said.
Richard paced back and forth, trying to rattle my composure.
"You are just a bitter, jealous wife who wanted to destroy a successful man because he was leaving you!"
I looked directly at Marcus, who could not even meet my eyes.
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"I didn't destroy him."
"His own boundless greed destroyed him."
