Julian swallowed.
“You also testified that she was responsible for the instability inside your home.”
“Your Honor—”
His attorney tried to intervene.
Judge Thorne raised one hand.
“Counsel, remain silent until I am finished.”
She turned toward the bailiff.
“Please take the child to my chambers with the court advocate.”
Noah looked back at me before leaving.
I gave him a small nod.
He had been carrying that secret for months.
And now he finally didn’t have to.
Once the doors closed behind him, Judge Thorne struck her gavel.
“This court has now been presented with evidence suggesting deliberate false testimony, financial misconduct, coercion within the home, and manipulation of a minor child.”
Julian’s posture changed instantly.
The confidence he had carried into the courtroom was gone.
Judge Thorne began issuing temporary emergency orders.
“Pending further proceedings, sole physical custody of Noah Vance will remain with Mrs. Evelyn Vance. Mr. Vance’s direct contact with the child will be restricted subject to further evaluation and court review.”
Julian stared at her.
“Your Honor—”
She continued.
“The court is also ordering a temporary freeze on relevant marital and corporate accounts while the financial evidence is reviewed.”
Julian stepped forward.
“I built that company! That house is mine!”
Judge Thorne looked directly at him.
“That determination will be made through evidence, Mr. Vance, not through volume.”
She then ordered the financial records forwarded for appropriate investigation.
The gavel came down again.
