Chapter 3 - The Bail Hearing ShockwaveThe courtroom was packed with press. Dominic’s arrest had sent shockwaves through the city's high-society circles. Dressed in an orange jumpsuit, Dominic looked smaller, hollowed out, but his eyes still flared with hatred when he saw me sitting in the front row.
Victoria sat next to her high-powered defense attorney, holding her head high, wearing a pristine pearl necklace as if she were attending a charity gala rather than a criminal arraignment.
"Your Honor," Dominic’s lawyer argued passionately, "Mr. Vance is a respected business owner with no prior criminal record. The defense requests bail set at an affordable amount so he can oversee his company."
"Objection, Your Honor," the prosecutor stood up firmly. "The state presents evidence that the defendant poses a severe flight risk and an ongoing threat to the victim. Furthermore, we have evidence of financial warfare."
The prosecutor submitted the financial audit.
"In addition," the prosecutor continued, "the victim, Maya Vance, has formally executed the revocation clause of the Vance Estate Trust."
Victoria bolted upright from her chair. "Objection! She can't do that!"
"Silence in the court!" the judge ordered, slamming her gavel.
The prosecutor turned to the judge. "The property, the construction headquarters, and all capital assets were purchased under a conditional trust funded entirely by Maya Vance’s late grandmother. Under the terms, acts of domestic violence void Dominic Vance’s managerial status instantly. As of 9:00 AM today, Maya Vance has reclaimed total ownership of every asset."
Dominic’s jaw dropped. He slammed his fists on the defense table. "You bitch! You stole my company!"
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"Bail is DENIED," the judge declared sternly. "Take the defendant into custody!"
As officers hauled a screaming Dominic out of the courtroom, Victoria turned to glare at me, her mask slipping to reveal pure, unfiltered venom.
