Chapter 6 :
When court resumed, the judge looked irritated.
Dominic looked terrified.
Gianna looked ready to disappear into the floor.
And I looked toward the back door.
Waiting.
The judge began speaking.
“Given the documents submitted, this court will postpone any final ruling on asset division pending forensic review.”
Dominic exhaled sharply.
Almost relieved.
Then the judge continued.
“However, given the potential financial misconduct, and the unresolved questions regarding corporate ownership, the petition for immediate full custody is denied.”
My knees nearly gave out.
I held the table.
The boys clung to me.
The judge looked at Dominic.
“Temporary custody remains with Ms. Sterling.”
A sound left me.
Half sob.
Half breath.
Dominic stood again.
“This is insane.”
“Sit down,” the judge ordered.
But Dominic didn’t.
His face had turned red.
“You think she’s innocent? You think she just found those papers?”
I felt the air change.
Dominic smiled then.
But it was ugly.
Broken.
“She’s lying to all of you.”
The judge’s voice sharpened.
“Mr. Thorne, this is your final warning.”
Dominic pointed at me.
“Ask her about her father.”
The room stilled.
My pulse stopped.
Dominic laughed once.
“She said he kept copies. Funny. Her father died six months ago.”
Gianna looked at me.
Mr. Vale looked at me.
The judge looked at me.
Dominic leaned forward, triumphant again.
“Dead men don’t hand over envelopes, Elena.”
I said nothing.
Because the courtroom doors opened behind him.
And an old man walked in with a cane.
Slowly.
May you like
Deliberately.
Alive.
