Chapter 15 - The Ambush in Court
At 8:45 AM, the marble corridors of the King County Superior Court were swarming with corporate reporters, financial analysts, and television cameras.
Victoria Bellamy arrived flanked by four senior partners from Manhattan’s most predatory litigation firm. She wore an immaculate charcoal suit, her expression carved from ice. When she caught sight of Daniel walking slowly down the hallway with Natalie and Mia, a mocking smile touched her lips.
"Mr. Mercer," Victoria said, projecting her voice so the press could hear. "I see you managed to drag yourself out of retirement. I would advise you to settle before the gavel falls. My mother spent forty years living with the shame of your public rejection. Today, you sign over the deep-water berths, or I expose the Mercer family as insolvent frauds."
Daniel stopped. He leaned on his cane, looked into the eyes of the daughter of the woman who had disgraced his mother, and spoke with terrifying calm.
"Your mother dumped dirty water on a sixty-eight-year-old woman because she lacked the character to be a Mercer, Victoria. And you are here because you inherited her cowardice."
Victoria’s jaw tightened, her eyes flashing with pure Bellamy malice. "Inside, old man. Let’s see what the law says."
The courtroom doors swung open. Judge Marcus Vance, a stern veteran jurist known for zero tolerance toward corporate theatricality, took the bench.
Victoria’s lead counsel stood immediately. "Your Honor, we present an undisputed master charter showing that Mercer Port Authority’s foundational lease expired at midnight. Under the terms of the Bellamy-Mercer alliance agreement, title reverts immediately to Nemesis Holdings."
The lawyer laid the yellowed document on the bench.
Judge Vance adjusted his spectacles, examining the signature page. "Ms. Mercer, does the defense contest the authenticity of this 1984 conveyance?"
Natalie stood up. She did not open a briefcase; she carried only a sealed archival folder from the Treasury vault.
"Your Honor, we do not contest the conveyance," Natalie said clearly. "We demand its immediate execution—along with the enforcement of Section 12 of the 1932 Federal Restitution Decree."
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Victoria’s lead attorney froze. He turned his head toward Victoria, whose face suddenly lost all color.
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