Three hours later, the grand hallway of the downtown district court was packed with reporters.
Claire walked through the front doors wearing a sharp navy blue business suit.
She had traded her wedding gown for professional clothes that meant serious business.
Her attorney, Sarah Jenkins, walked right beside her carrying two heavy leather briefcases.
Arthur Vance and his team of expensive lawyers stood near the courtroom doors.
The media cameras flashed continuously as the two powerful families met face to face.
Mark walked behind his father with a bandage hidden beneath his high collar.
He looked at Claire with a mix of intense anger and lingering fear.
Sarah: We are fully prepared to file the emergency injunction right now, Arthur.
Arthur: You are ruining your client's standing in high society with this circus.
Claire: My standing was ruined the moment I trusted your dishonest son.
Mark: You signed the preliminary papers willingly in front of our notary!
Sarah: A notary who was paid off by your private firm, Mark.
The double doors opened and the bailiff called everyone inside the courtroom.
Judge Helen Miller sat at the elevated bench with a stern expression.
She looked over the thick stack of emergency financial documents on her desk.
The silence in the room was deafening as everyone waited for her first words.
Claire sat calmly at her table while keeping her back completely straight.
She knew that her entire family legacy depended on the outcome of this hearing.
Judge Miller: Counsel, I have reviewed the recorded audio evidence submitted this morning.
Arthur's Lawyer: Your Honor, that audio was obtained without proper legal consent!
Judge Miller: In this jurisdiction, security footage from private venues is fully admissible.
Claire: The truth is plain for everyone to see today, Your Honor.
Judge Miller: Indeed it is, Miss Vance.
The judge tapped her wooden gavel against the sound block with a sharp strike.
Judge Miller: I am freezing all Vance corporate accounts pending a full audit.