Chapter 3
We took our seats.
Daniel and Olivia sat on one side. I sat on the other with Elena beside me. The judge, a stern-looking woman in her fifties, glanced over the documents in front of her.
Daniel’s lawyer stood up first. He spoke smoothly about “irreconcilable differences” and how both parties had agreed to move forward amicably. He made it sound clean. Civil. Almost polite.
Olivia sat beside Daniel with that same small, satisfied smile on her face. Every now and then she would glance at me, like she was checking to see if I was breaking.
I wasn’t.
When it was Elena’s turn, she stood up calmly.
“Your Honor,” she began, “while my client agrees that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, there are several matters that must be addressed before any divorce can be finalized.”
Daniel’s lawyer frowned.
Elena continued.
“First, there is the issue of marital assets and financial misconduct. Second, there is the matter of custody and the well-being of the unborn child. And third…” She paused and looked directly at Daniel. “There is the issue of fraud and conspiracy.”
The courtroom went very still.
Daniel leaned forward. “What the hell is she talking about?”
The judge raised an eyebrow. “Counselor, please explain.”
Elena opened a folder and pulled out several documents.
“Over the past eight months, my client has gathered substantial evidence showing that Mr. Daniel Carter and Ms. Olivia Bennett conspired to hide marital assets, manipulate financial records, and — most disturbingly — discussed removing the minor child from Ms. Carter’s custody immediately after birth.”
Olivia’s smile finally disappeared.
Daniel’s face went pale.
I kept my hand on my belly and stayed perfectly still.
May you like
This was only the beginning.
And I was just getting started.
