Chapter 9 - The Final VerdictThe courtroom fell into a breathless, heavy silence.
Even the hostile opposing attorney had nothing left to say.
The judge looked down at the documents, then over at Silas and Mave holding hands, and finally at the framed pressed violet sitting on the edge of the witness stand. A rare, emotional smile touched the judge's lips.
He struck his gavel.
Clack!
“Petition for guardianship and adoption by Silas Mercer is granted in full,” the judge declared firmly. “All counter-claims by the petitioner are dismissed with prejudice. God bless you, Mr. Mercer. God bless you, Mave.”
A wave of camera flashes exploded from the back of the courtroom as reporters scrambled to capture the moment.
Arthur Vance cursed under his breath, grabbing his briefcase and storming out of the courtroom in defeat.
Silas scooped Mave up into his arms, burying his face in her shoulder as a profound, overwhelming wave of relief and joy washed over him. For the first time in his life, the cold isolation of his massive empire vanished completely.
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He wasn't just a billionaire anymore.
He was a dad.
