Three months later, the main courtroom at the Dallas County Courthouse was packed with local news reporters and estate attorneys. Victoria sat at the defense table wearing a dark grey county jumpsuit, her luxurious blonde hair unstyled and her face pale without makeup.
Across the aisle sat Richard in a dark navy suit, flanked by his chief legal advisor, Arthur Pendelton. Toby sat quietly in the front row of the gallery next to Hannah, holding a small toy car.
Judge Miller: "This court is now in session to rule on the emergency motion to enforce the prenuptial agreement in the matter of Vance versus Vance."
Victoria's Lawyer: "Your Honor, my client is requesting temporary spousal support of fifty thousand dollars a month while the criminal charges remain pending."
Arthur Pendelton: "Your Honor, section fourteen of the signed prenuptial contract explicitly states that any act of domestic violence, physical assault against family members, or felony theft completely voids all spousal support, property division, and lump-sum settlements."
Victoria's Lawyer: "My client has not yet been convicted in criminal court, Your Honor!"
Judge Miller: "Counselor, I have personally reviewed the certified 4K video evidence submitted to this court. The physical assault on a minor is indisputable."
Judge Miller adjusted his glasses, looking down at Victoria with utter coldness.
Judge Miller: "Pursuant to the explicit terms of the valid prenuptial agreement, Victoria Vance is entitled to zero dollars, zero property, and zero spousal support from the Vance estate. The divorce is granted effective immediately."
Victoria: "No! That's not fair! I spent two years of my life with him!"
Judge Miller: "Silence in the court! Furthermore, a permanent order of protection is hereby issued. You will remain at least one thousand yards away from Richard Vance, Toby Vance, and Hannah Miller for the rest of your life."
The heavy wooden gavel slammed down onto the bench with a loud, final crash.
Victoria shrieked hysterical curses as the court bailiffs grabbed her arms, dragging her back toward the holding cell door. Richard stood up, buttoning his suit jacket, completely untroubled by her screams.
Arthur Pendelton: "The criminal trial starts next month, Richard. The District Attorney is pushing for a fifteen-year sentence."
Richard: "Good. Let her serve every single day of it."