Chapter 9 - SHATTERED DIAMONDS
"Order! Order in my court!" the judge roared, slamming his gavel as reporters in the back row scrambled for their phones.
Vanessa was on her feet, screaming. "That's fake! It's AI! He fabricated it with his tech money!"
But her panic was visceral, her mask completely shattered. Victor Thorne, realizing his career was imploding, slowly distanced himself from his client, packing his briefcase.
The judge glared at Vanessa with absolute disgust. "Mrs. Caldwell, sit down before I have you restrained. Mr. Sterling, is there more?"
"We also have financial records, Your Honor," Richard submitted a thick binder. "Proving Mrs. Caldwell embezzled over two million dollars meant for the children's care to fund her personal accounts."
The judge didn't need to hear another word.
The ruling was swift and merciless. Nathan was granted sole, immediate, and permanent custody. The prenuptial agreement was enforced, leaving Vanessa with nothing. But it didn't end there.
"Furthermore," the judge stated, his voice ringing with authority, "based on the audio evidence and the medical reports from Dr. Jenkins, I am forwarding this case to the District Attorney's office. Mrs. Caldwell, you are not leaving this courthouse as a free woman."
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Two bailiffs stepped forward with handcuffs.
Vanessa’s screams echoed through the marble halls of the courthouse as she was dragged away in her expensive pink suit. Nathan watched her go, feeling no triumph, only a profound, exhausting relief. The dragon was dead. His castle was finally safe.
