Chapter 24 - The Final Nail"Objection!" Ethan shouted, standing up and rattling his chains. "She’s lying! She knew I was the CEO! She let me believe I owned the company so she could steal my life's work!"
The judge slammed his gavel. "Sit down, Mr. Walker, or you will be removed."
Marcus Vance stepped forward to cross-examine for the defense of the trust. He handed a sealed folder to the judge.
"Your Honor, we are submitting Exhibit 412. This is an authenticated audio recording retrieved from the server of the Harborview Hotel, captured on their internal security network five days before the canceled wedding."
Ethan’s face drained of all color.
Marcus pressed play on his tablet. The courtroom speakers cracked to life, filling the silent room with Ethan’s own arrogant voice.
“You were never anything but a placeholder, Emma. I run this company. The capital is in her name, but once we're married, the spousal transfer clauses will give me total control. Just put her behind the column for the reception. She won't say a word.”
A collective gasp echoed through the gallery.
The judge looked down at Ethan with an expression of pure, unadulterated disgust. "Mr. Walker. You are not only a convicted fraudster, but you are now attempting to commit perjury in my courtroom."
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"No... wait..." Ethan stammered, his entire defense collapsing into dust.
"Appeal denied," the judge snapped, striking the gavel. "Furthermore, I am adding two years to your sentence for contempt and perjury. Bailiff, remand the prisoner."
