The following Tuesday morning arrived with bright sunshine over town courtroom.
Richard and Arthur sat at the front legal table inside.
Lily sat comfortably in the audience row beside her kind grandmother.
Eleanor sat at the opposite table with her high-priced lawyer.
She looked tired and stressed, lacking her usual arrogant smug posture.
The judge entered the courtroom and sat at the high bench.
Judge: We are here regarding the annulment case of Vance.
Lawyer: Your Honor, we submit the security video as exhibit A.
Eleanor's Lawyer: My client claims the video was taken out of context.
Judge: I have reviewed the clear video recording myself thoroughly.
The judge looked over his glass spectacles directly at Eleanor's table.
His face was stern and showed no sympathy for her claims.
Judge: The video shows clear emotional abuse of a minor.
Eleanor: Your Honor, I was trying to instil proper discipline!
Judge: You forced a young child into servitude in her home.
The judge picked up his heavy wooden gavel and hit board.
The sharp sound echoed throughout the large, quiet judicial room.
Judge: The prenuptial agreement cruelty clause is fully enforced today.
Eleanor's Lawyer: Your Honor, we request temporary spousal maintenance support.
Judge: Request denied completely due to clear physical evidence shown.
Eleanor slumped down in her chair as her lawyer sighed deeply.
She realized she was leaving the court with no money whatsoever.
Richard stood up beside Arthur and shook his hand in gratitude.
Richard: Justice was served today for my daughter Lily.
Lawyer: She got exactly what she deserved under the law.
They walked out of the courtroom into the bright outdoor sunshine.
Lily ran up to her father and wrapped her arms around.
Lily: We are finally free and safe now, Dad!
Richard: Yes we are, Lily. Nobody will ever hurt you.
They walked down the court steps together toward a bright future.
Love and truth had protected their family against cruel greed completely.