Chapter 18 - THE HEARING|
The courthouse was crowded when we arrived on October eighteenth.
Daniel walked beside me, carrying two thick binders. My father followed a few steps behind.
Across the hall, Grant stood with his attorney.
He looked confident again.
His suit was immaculate. His hair was perfectly styled. He was speaking quietly with Peter Lang, who had apparently changed his mind about withdrawing from the matter.
Savannah was seated near the back.
She wore a simple black dress and held a folder against her stomach.
When she saw me, she gave a small nod.
I returned it.
The hearing began shortly after ten.
Daniel presented the suspicious consulting agreements, the bank records, the original Harbor Point contract, and the forensic report.
He explained the unauthorized signature, the proposed transfer, and the attempt to change the closing beneficiary.
Grant's attorney argued that the transactions were legitimate and that the company dispute was being exaggerated because of the marriage breakdown.
The judge listened without interruption.
Then she turned to Grant.
“Mr. Ashford, do you wish to respond to the allegation that your office submitted documents carrying Ms. Hartley's signature without her authorization?”
Grant stood.
“The documents were prepared by staff under standard company procedures.”
“Did Ms. Hartley authorize the payments?”
“She was aware of the project.”
“That wasn't my question.”
He hesitated.
“I believed she had approved the arrangements.”
Daniel rose.
“Your Honor, we have the original document, the amended document, and the digital audit trail. The signature was processed through an account assigned to Mr. Ashford's office.”
Grant's attorney objected.
The judge reviewed the material.
Then she asked for the financial director's statement.
The director confirmed that the board had never approved the revised consulting agreement.
The judge turned another page.
“What about the proposed transfer of three million dollars?”
Grant's attorney argued that it was part of a routine transaction.
Daniel presented the bank's written explanation.
The beneficiary details had been changed without the required authorization.
The judge looked directly at Grant.
“Why was the beneficiary changed?”
Grant adjusted his tie.
“It was an administrative matter.”
“Then why was it submitted without the required approval?”
He didn't answer.
The hearing continued for nearly two hours.
Finally, the judge granted temporary orders preserving the relevant financial records, restricting certain disputed transfers, and requiring the company to cooperate with an independent forensic review.
She also ordered that no disputed assets be moved while the review continued.
It wasn't a final judgment.
But it was a significant step.
Grant's face had turned gray.
When we left the courtroom, he followed us into the hallway.
“Claire.”
Daniel stepped between us.
“Any communication should go through counsel.”
Grant ignored him.
“You've ruined everything.”
I looked at my husband.
“No. I stopped you from ruining it for everyone else.”
His voice dropped.
“You think you've won?”
I shook my head.
“This isn't a game.”
Then Savannah approached.
Grant turned toward her.
“What are you doing here?”
She held her folder tightly.
“I'm giving a statement to the investigators.”
His face changed.
“You promised me you wouldn't.”
Savannah looked at him with tears in her eyes.
May you like
“I promised myself I wouldn't keep lying.”
And for the first time, Grant had no answer.
