CHAPTER 3 – THE RECORDING THEY THOUGHT NO ONE WOULD EVER SEE
The second video had been secretly recorded inside Julian's office.
Julian leaned back in his chair.
Vanessa stood beside him holding legal documents.
"We can't risk paying child support forever," Vanessa said calmly.
Julian nodded.
"We won't."
She smiled.
"Stress her out."
"Keep delaying doctor's appointments."
"If the pregnancy becomes complicated..."
"...everything becomes easier."
The courtroom gasped.
Clara's attorney immediately stood.
"Your Honor, I request criminal investigators."
Judge Thornton never looked away from the screen.
"Granted."
Another recording began.
Julian's accountant appeared.
"The company transferred nearly six million dollars."
Julian answered,
"Move it offshore before the divorce."
"And the house?"
"Sell it after she signs."
"And Emily?"
Julian paused.
"She never understands adult conversations."
Emily quietly whispered from her chair,
"I heard everything."
Julian looked like a man watching his own life collapse.
Vanessa suddenly screamed,
"Turn it off!"
Judge Thornton's gavel echoed through the courtroom.
"No."
She looked directly at the bailiffs.
"Neither Mr. Cross nor Ms. Vance leaves this building."
Then she issued the words neither expected.
"I am ordering an immediate freeze on every known marital and business asset pending fraud investigation."
Julian closed his eyes.
May you like
Everything he owned...
had just disappeared.
