Chapter 9 - The Trial and Victory
Six months later.
The family court of New York was packed with reporters, security guards, and high-profile attorneys. The custody and divorce trial of Sophia Vane versus Marcus Vane had become the trial of the year.
Marcus sat at the defense table, looking gaunt, haggard, and stripped of his former billionaire aura. His legal team tried frantically to portray him as a stressed businessman who had suffered a panic attack on the night in question, claiming he had gone to seek help rather than abandoning his wife.
Then, Julian’s legal team presented the final piece of evidence: the restored high-definition audio and video recording from the penthouse foyer.
The courtroom was dead silent as Marcus’s cold, smooth voice echoed through the speakers:
"You’ve become a burden, Sophia... I’m done... That’s your business, not mine."
The footage showed Marcus carefully pouring himself a drink, stepping around his collapsed, bleeding wife, and walking out the door without looking back once.
The judge’s face turned to stone.
When the verdict was read, the judgment was swift and absolute. Sophia was granted an immediate, full divorce, sole legal and physical custody of Leo and Alexander, and a massive financial settlement liquidating Marcus’s remaining domestic real estate assets. Marcus was granted zero visitation rights and was ordered to surrender his passport pending his upcoming criminal trial.
As the judge slammed the gavel down, Marcus leaped up, shouting at the bench, before being restrained by bailiffs and led away in handcuffs.
Sophia sat at her table, tears of quiet victory streaming down her face. She turned around to look at the back of the courtroom.
Standing near the doors, dressed in an immaculate charcoal suit, was Julian Vance. He wasn't smiling arrogantly; he simply watched her with quiet, profound pride.
Sophia stood up, ignoring her lawyers who were celebrating around her, and walked straight down the center aisle toward him. When she reached him, she didn't hesitate—she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close.
Julian wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her slightly off her feet, burying his face in her hair.
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"It’s over," Sophia whispered against his ear. "We’re finally free."
"It’s just beginning," Julian murmured back, holding her tight against his chest.
