Chapter 113
I turned back around, forcing my legs to keep moving. It’s just nerves, I told myself, even though I didn’t even believe it. I scanned the signs beside each door until I found what I was looking for.
Courtroom 3B – Judge Daniel.
I took a deep breath, adjusted the hem of my jacket, and swiped at my face, making sure there was no stray curl clinging to my cheek. My hand lingered on the doorknob for a moment, and then without another thought, I pushed the doors open and stepped inside.
It was quieter than I’d expected. The gallery was mostly empty. I didn’t recognize any of the faces seated. The judge hadn’t even taken the seat yet, meaning I arrived just in time.
My eyes drifted to the defense table, and there he was.
Xander sat shockingly straight, dressed in a navy suit–probably another new addition to his closet courtesy of me. His hair was shorter than the last time I saw him, but that was all I could tell from where I stood. A tall, lean man sat beside him. He was also dressed in an expensive suit and they seemed deep in conversation.
I didn’t recognize him, but judging by the fact that he’d accompanied Xander here today, he had to be his lawyer.
“Jane!”
I whipped my head to the right to see Hailey dressed in a corporate black dress, waving me over. I crossed the courtroom to the plaintiff’s
000%
25
25
16 191
Chapter 113
1288 (Vouchers
table where she stood waiting.
She nodded in approval when I reached her. “You look good. Great choice of outfit.”
“Thank you.”
“Now, remember. We stick to the facts. No matter what they try to pull, we remain calm and professional,” she encouraged.
“Will do,” I said, managing a small smile.
The doors at the front of the courtroom suddenly opened and a tall man with white beards, dressed in a long black robe walked in.
“All rise,” the bailiff announced.
Judge Daniel settled behind his bench, eyes moving over the courtroom carefully. Then he looked down at the file in front of him, cleared his throat, and adjusted his glasses before speaking.
4
“Be seated. We are here today for the dissolution proceedings between Jane and Xander Blackwood.” His gaze found mine briefly, then moved to Xander. “I trust both parties understand the gravity of severing a mate bond before this court.”
Yes, we do, Lucky answered for me.
“Mr. Rusk, you may present your opening statement.”
The man seated beside Xander rose from the defendant’s table. I felt Hailey lean closer.
4
“That’s Roman Rusk. He’s a bear shifter, notorious for his less–than- honorable tactics in court,” she whispered to me. “He’s well known for
31.39%
0
25
16 19
Chapter 173
288 Vouchers
distorting facts. He makes his fortune,” she pointed at him as he moved to the front, “as you can tell from his expensive suit, by breaking the other party down into giving a false testimony.”
My gaze drifted to the man in question. He was definitely imposing. I felt a set of eyes burning a hole into the side of my head. I turned to find Xander watching me. Lucky could feel his wolf trying to reach out to me, but I looked away, effectively shutting him out.
“Your Honor,” Roman began, seizing my attention. “What we have before us today is not just a simple dissolution of a loving marriage, but the long over–due escape of my client from a manipulative and abusive partnership.”
He said what?
“The evidence will show that Ms. Ashford constantly manipulated my client emotionally in an attempt to isolate him from his pack, his family, and his livelihood. She undermined his authority, questioned his Alpha status, and when that wasn’t enough…” He paused, staring at the judge to let his words sink in. “She engaged in adultery, flaunting her infidelity without a single iota of shame while demanding my client remain faithful to a bond she had corrupted.”
The room seemed to spin around me, but I took a deep breath to keep myself in check. I knew they’d try to annihilate my character. It was expected.
“Furthermore,” Roman continued, dark eyes finding mine across the courtroom. “Ms. Ashford’s wolf is unstable and prone to violent outbursts. The evidence will show a pattern of abuse that my client endures for years before finally finding the courage to seek help.”
I’ll kill him, Lucky growled in anger. Let me at him. I’ll tear his lying
59 96%
O
O
25
25
1619
Chapter 113
throat out.
No. We can’t lose control, Lucky.
98.87%
