Chapter 117
“Order in court,” the bailiff called out.
“We’ll resume shortly. But before we do, let me remind everyone, this is a courtroom, not a zoo. Any more emotional outbursts will not be tolerated.” Judge Daniel’s eyes locked on Xander. “That includes you, Mr. Blackwood.” Then his gaze shifted to Roman. “Counsel, kindly ensure your client is properly advised. Now, let’s proceed.”
“Your Honor,” Hailey began as she rose to her feet and approached the bench. “Given that Mr. Blackwood is no longer contesting the divorce, we would like to move forward with finalizing the proceedings today.”
The judge gave a curt nod and turned to face Roman. “Counsel, any objections?”
I tilted my head to look at Roman. He was whispering furiously to Xander, but judging by the way Xander’s jaw was clenched and his head barely moved, it was clear he wasn’t backing down.
Roman rubbed his temple with clear frustration, still trying to reason with him, and yet, Xander still shook his head, refusing whatever advice Roman was offering.
“Counsel?” Judge Daniel called again.
“I apologize, Your Honor.” Roman eyed Xander once more before turning to the judge. “No objections.” He looked less than pleased. It was obvious that Roman hadn’t expected his client to ruin his own case by losing his cool.
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“Very well.” Hailey stepped forward and handed the judge a document. “I’ll now present the terms of the settlement agreement for the court’s consideration.” She glanced at her notes before proceeding. “My client will retain full ownership of the marital home located in Detilan, along with all personal bank accounts and any non–marital property acquired prior to the marriage.”
Judge Daniel nodded.
“Additionally, we are requesting a lump sum spousal support payment of fifty million dollars.”
The entire courtroom seemed to come to a standstill. But when Hailey mentioned the next item, the air became charged with tension.
“There is also the matter of the vacation home in the Hamptons…”
Hailey had barely gotten the words out of her mouth when Roman jumped up.
“Objection, Your Honor!” His head snapped toward me, eyes narrowing. “My client has significant emotional and financial investment in that property. The Hamptons estate was purchased with funds from the Blackwood Group and-”
Roman was violently interrupted by the loud screech of a chair being pushed back. All eyes turned as Xander rose from his seat.
“I’m giving up the property.”
Even my mouth fell open. Roman was speechless. He stared at Xander like he’d grown a second head.
“Xander…” he hissed under his breath. He moved to approach Xander and probably try to advise him against it, but he held up a hand.
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“Your Honor, I relinquish any claim to the Hamptons property,” Xander declared.
A collective gasp spread through the courtroom. I couldn’t believe what was happening, or why it was happening.
Maybe he had a change of heart and realized he couldn’t win this, Lucky offered. But I wasn’t sure how plausible that was.
“However,” Xander continued. “I would like to retain an additional three percent of my shares in the Blackwood Group, bringing my total to twenty–three percent.”
Hailey’s eyebrows lifted slightly. She moved to me and whispered, “What do you think?”
“Let him have it. As long as this is done.” And as an afterthought, I said, “And let’s add a clause preventing him from slandering my name.
Hailey nodded and straightened. “Your Honor, my client agrees to Mr. Xander’s proposal regarding the Blackwood Group shares. However, we request that an additional clause be added to the agreement. A non- disparagement provision preventing Mr. Blackwood from making any negative public statements about my client.”
“Mr. Rusk, does your client agree to these terms?” Judge Daniel asked.
Roman’s jaw tightened for several seconds, and then finally, he let out a strained, “Yes, Your Honor. My client agrees.”
“Very well. This court hereby orders the following terms for the dissolution of marriage…” Judge Daniel went over all the terms we’d previously agreed on and then hit the gavel loudly, solidifying the outcome of the proceedings.
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But he wasn’t done.
“I want to be clear to both parties. Any further media defamation will result in this settlement being revisited. The court will not tolerate any violation of these terms.”
Roman’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, while Hailey simply nodded.
“With that said, this court hereby declares the marriage between Jane Ashford and Xander Blackwood officially dissolved.”
My heart soared with those words. Lucky howled in excitement.
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