Chapter 11 - THE COURTROOM SHOWDOWN
The final family court hearing took place in a packed downtown courtroom presided over by Judge Sterling. Derek Ashford stood before the bench, looking hollow, exhausted, and utterly defeated in a wrinkled suit. When asked if he understood the terms of the divorce and the permanent restraining order keeping him away from Grace and their child, Derek could only nod in a quiet, broken whisper.
Judge Sterling struck her gavel with sharp, authoritative finality. "Divorce granted. Restraining order made permanent. All remaining marital assets revert entirely to Mrs. Grace Sterling, sole legal heiress to the Sterling estate." As Derek was led away by bailiffs to face his upcoming federal fraud trials, Grace sat quietly in the gallery, her hand resting gently over her swollen belly.
