Chapter 4 - THE PROBATE AMBUSHThree days later, the mahogany double doors of the Manhattan Probate Court swung open with dramatic flair.
Vanessa Crane swept down the central aisle like a grieving queen, dressed head-to-toe in custom Prada mourning black. Her face was artfully painted with traces of sorrow, and she held a linen handkerchief daintily to her eyes as cameras flashed from the media pack outside.
She had received notice that an emergency asset injunction had been filed by an unknown entity, and she was here to crush it.
Judge Robert Sterling—a corrupt magistrate on Vanessa’s payroll—tapped his gavel with an irritated frown.
"Counsel for Mrs. Crane, state your case," Judge Sterling demanded.
Vanessa’s high-priced attorney stood up smoothly. "Your Honor, my client is the sole legal guardian and primary beneficiary of the late Thomas Mercer. Certain... predatory third parties have attempted to freeze her rightful inheritance based on malicious, unsubstantiated claims regarding the missing stepchildren—"
"The children aren't missing, Counselor," a deep, gravelly voice echoed from the back of the courtroom.
The heavy oak doors swung open again.
Adrian Vale walked down the center aisle, flanked by four federal corporate attorneys and Marcus Vance holding a thick leather briefcase.
Vanessa froze mid-stride. Her breath caught in her throat. She knew that face. Every titan of industry in New York knew Adrian Vale.
May you like
"Mr... Mr. Vale?" Judge Sterling stammered, visibly turning pale as he adjusted his glasses. "What is the meaning of this interruption? This is a closed probate hearing—"
"It was a closed probate hearing," Adrian corrected him smoothly, stepping up to the plaintiff's podium. "Until I opened it."
