Chapter 6 - The Trial of Retribution
Two months later, the preliminary hearing for the divorce and asset distribution took place at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.
The courtroom was packed with journalists, corporate lawyers, and curious onlookers.
Ethan sat at the defense table next to a court-appointed legal aid lawyer. He couldn't afford a private attorney anymore. His suit was wrinkled, his face gaunt, his hair thinning from stress.
Across the room sat Grace. She wore an elegant cream-colored dress that accentuated her glowing six-month pregnancy bump. Surrounding her were her three brothers and a team of six top-tier attorneys.
The judge slammed his gavel down. "Case number 26-CV-8890, Walker v. Montgomery. We are here to address the petition for absolute divorce, emergency restraining orders, and division of corporate property."
Ethan’s lawyer stood up nervously. "Your Honor, my client requests a full court-ordered mediation. Mr. Walker maintains that the corporate restructuring of Walker Development was an illegal hostile takeover engineered by the respondent's family, and he requests joint custody rights of the unborn child."
Evelyn Vance stood up smoothly from Grace’s table. "Your Honor, we have submitted financial evidence proving that Mr. Walker embezzled over $1.2 million from Walker Development funds to purchase real estate and luxury goods for his mistress, Miss Lauren Pierce."
Evelyn clicked a button on her remote, and a large screen in the courtroom lit up with bank records, hotel receipts, and wire transfers—all bearing Ethan’s signature.
"Furthermore," Evelyn continued, her voice echoing through the silent courtroom, "we have sworn witness testimonies and forensic security video from the night of August 15th, proving physical assault committed by Mr. Walker against a visibly pregnant woman."
The courtroom erupted into quiet murmurs.
Ethan hid his face in his hands as the video played on the screens—showing the exact moment Ethan raised his hand and slapped Grace across the face in their dining room.
The judge’s face hardened into stone. He slammed his gavel down forcefully.
"Order in the court!" the judge commanded. He looked down at Ethan with intense disdain.
"Mr. Walker," the judge said coldly. "The evidence presented is overwhelming. This court hereby grants the absolute decree of divorce with immediate effect. Mrs. Grace Montgomery is granted full legal and physical custody of the child, with zero visitation rights granted to you until a full psychological evaluation and criminal proceedings are concluded."
The judge turned a page. "Furthermore, all financial claims made by you regarding Walker Development are dismissed with prejudice. You are ordered to pay full restitution of the embezzled funds to Montgomery Capital within 90 days."
Ethan slumped in his chair, completely broken.
As the judge concluded the hearing, Grace stood up elegantly, supported by Alexander and Marcus. She didn't glance at Ethan once as she walked out of the courtroom through the private exit, flanked by security.
May you like
Ethan looked up just as Julian passed his table.
Julian paused, leaning down slightly. "You wanted to be a powerful man, Ethan," Julian murmured. "Now you know what real power looks like. It doesn't scream. It doesn't hit. It just cleans up the trash."
