One year after my divorce, I ran into my ex-husband at St. Catherine’s Hospital.

Three days after the disastrous gala, the final courtroom hearing for Madison Sterling and Carter Blake took place at the State Supreme Court.

The courtroom was packed to maximum capacity. Journalists, legal analysts, and public spectators jammed the wooden pews.

I sat in the front row beside Adrian and Victoria.

At eleven o'clock, the side doors opened. Madison was led in by two guards, wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, her wrists chained to her waist belt. Gone were her designer dresses, her blonde hair extensions, and her arrogant demeanor. She looked gaunt, terrified, and utterly defeated.

Behind her sat Carter Blake, also in handcuffs, refusing to make eye contact with anyone.

Judge Margaret Stone slammed her gavel down, restoring order in the courtroom.

"We are here today for the formal bail hearing and presentation of evidence in the matter of the State v. Madison Sterling and Carter Blake," Judge Stone announced, her stern eyes scanning the defense table.

The District Attorney stood up. "Your Honor, before we proceed with bail arguments, the state wishes to enter into evidence the court-ordered expedited DNA paternity test results regarding the child, Leo Sterling-Vance."

Madison lowered her head, sobbing quietly into her chained hands.

The D.A. opened a sealed white envelope.

"The genetic markers have been fully analyzed by the State Forensic Laboratory," the D.A. read aloud. "The test conclusively proves that Ethan Vance has a zero percent probability of paternity. The biological father of the child is confirmed to be defendant Carter Blake, with a 99.99 percent probability."

Murmurs rippled through the courtroom pews.

"Furthermore," the D.A. continued, "financial records recovered from Ms. Sterling's digital vault show that she and Mr. Blake had established an offshore shell company in the Cayman Islands. They had successfully funneled three point eight million dollars out of Vance Enterprises and The Starlight Foundation into this account, planning to flee the country as soon as Ethan Vance signed over full power of attorney to the child."

Judge Stone's face darkened with intense disgust. She looked down at Madison and Carter.

"This is one of the most monstrous, calculated schemes of personal and financial destruction this court has ever witnessed," Judge Stone said, her voice dripping with judgment. "Not only did you attempt to bankrupt a major corporation and steal charitable funds meant for mothers in need, but you intentionally administered illegal, non-prescribed chemical compounds to an innocent woman for years, risking her long-term health and safety."

Madison looked up, her voice trembling. "Your Honor... please... I have a baby... I need to take care of my son..."

"Your son will be placed under the temporary legal custody of Child Protective Services until suitable, non-criminal family relatives can be evaluated," Judge Stone replied coldly. "Bail is DENIED for both defendants. You will remain in maximum-security custody pending your criminal trial."

BANG!

The gavel slammed down.

Guards pulled Madison up from her chair. As she was being led away toward the holding cells, her eyes met mine in the front row.

She stopped for a brief second, tears streaming down her pale face. "Claire... please... tell them to let me see my baby... Claire, we were best friends..."

I looked at her calmly, my hands resting comfortably in my lap.