Chapter 5 - The Reunion in CourtThree months later, the Los Angeles Superior Courtroom was packed to capacity. Flashing camera lights blinded anyone stepping through the double doors, and reporters jammed the hallways, all eager to catch a glimpse of the most sensational divorce trial of the decade.
I stepped out of the black SUV, wearing a tailored charcoal pantsuit and dark sunglasses that concealed the lingering shadows of the accident. Marcus Sterling walked beside me, carrying a leather briefcase packed with airtight evidence. Flashbulbs popped like lightning storms around us, but I didn't flinch. I kept my chin high, my shoulders back, and walked with the absolute poise of a woman who had reclaimed her kingdom.
Inside the courtroom, Dominic sat at the defense table. He looked years older. His tailored suit hung loosely on a frame that had lost its arrogance, his hair was unkempt, and dark circles bruised the skin beneath his eyes. When he looked up and saw me walking in, a flicker of desperate hope crossed his features—a pathetic, pleading look that begged for mercy.
I didn't even look his way as I took my seat at the plaintiff's table.
The judge, a stern-faced woman with decades on the bench, banged her gavel. "We are here for the final settlement proceedings in the matter of Brooks v. Vance. Mr. Sterling, you have the floor."
Marcus stood up, adjusting his cuffs with practiced ease. "Your Honor, after extensive forensic audits and negotiations, we have reached a comprehensive settlement agreement. However, given the severe nature of the fraudulent asset concealment and psychological abuse documented in this case, my client has stipulated a series of non-negotiable terms."
Marcus handed a thick dossier to the bailiff, who delivered it to the judge.
"First," Marcus announced clearly, his voice carrying to every corner of the courtroom. "All remaining shares of Vance Global Logistics formerly held by Mr. Vance are to be transferred immediately and unconditionally into the Audrey Brooks Charitable Foundation. Second, the Beverly Hills estate, along with all associated offshore properties, is to be signed over to Mrs. Brooks as sole proprietor. Third, Mr. Vance is ordered to pay full restitution for all legal fees and emotional damages."
Dominic’s defense attorney jumped to his feet, sweating profusely. "Your Honor, this is completely predatory! These terms strip my client of every single asset he owns! He will be left utterly destitute!"
The judge looked down at the defense table, her expression stone-cold. "Mr. Vance had the opportunity to settle this fairly months ago. Instead, he chose to gamble his empire on deception and entitlement. The court accepts the plaintiff's terms in full."
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Bang.
The gavel fell. The trial was over. Dominic Vance had officially been wiped out.
