Chapter 8 - The Manhattan CourthouseThe marble halls of the Manhattan Family Court were packed with lawyers, hurried litigants, and the ambient hum of bureaucratic anxiety.
When Serena walked through the double doors of Courtroom 302, holding Lucia’s hand tightly on one side and flanked by Vittorio Rinaldi on the other, the entire hallway went dead silent.
Whispers erupted instantly.
Vittorio Rinaldi? Here? In family court?
Daniel Vance sat at the plaintiff’s table, wearing an expensive navy suit, a smug, triumphant smile plastered across his face. Beside him sat his high-priced divorce attorney, flipping through a thick folder of fabricated financial claims and character assassinations designed to paint Serena as an unfit, unstable mother.
As Serena approached the defense table, Daniel stood up, adjusting his tie with theatrical confidence.
“Serena,” Daniel said smoothly, loud enough for the gallery to hear. “I see you brought friends. Didn’t realize you needed a billionaire to help you pay your legal fees.”
Serena opened her mouth to retort, but a large, warm hand settled firmly on her shoulder.
Vittorio stepped forward, standing between Serena and her ex-husband. He didn't raise his voice. He didn't need to. The sheer, crushing weight of his presence made Daniel take an involuntary step back.
“Mr. Vance,” Vittorio said softly, his voice cutting through the courtroom like broken glass. “Enjoy your final moments standing upright. You’re going to need the energy for prison.”
Daniel’s smile flickered for a fraction of a second before he recovered his arrogant smirk. “Empty threats, Rinaldi. Your money doesn’t work in a family court judge’s chambers. She has no stable housing, no independent income, and zero legal standing. Sole custody goes to me in five minutes.”
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Before Vittorio could reply, the bailiff’s voice boomed through the room.
“All rise! The Honorable Judge Margaret Sterling presiding.”
