CHAPTER 9
Two uniformed sheriff's deputies stepped into the courtroom through the side entrance before the hearing even concluded.
"Mr. Miller," Judge Vance stated coldly, closing the gray binder with a heavy thud. "Due to the credible evidence of forgery, perjury, and grand larceny presented today, I am freezing all marital and corporate accounts associated with you and CR Strategic Consulting immediately."
Joshua stood up from the witness stand, his hands shaking so violently he could barely keep his balance.
"Furthermore," Judge Vance added, looking at the federal prosecutor who had quietly walked into the back of the room. "I am remanding you into the custody of the county sheriff pending formal criminal charges for perjury in open court."
Cheyenne Lawson stood up to run out of the gallery, but two federal agents stepped into the aisle, intercepting her before she could reach the double doors.
"Cheyenne Lawson?" the lead agent asked loudly. "We have a warrant for your arrest regarding federal wire fraud and money laundering."
The entire courtroom exploded into controlled chaos as reporters, who had been tipped off by Daniel's office, began snapping photos through the glass windows.
Joshua was handcuffed behind his back right in front of the judge's bench, his expensive Italian suit coat wrinkled, his head bowed in complete, unmitigated ruin.
As the deputies led him past my table, he looked at me with red, tear-filled eyes, desperate for a shred of forgiveness or pity.
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"Gretchen... please," he whimpered, his voice broken and small. "Think about Max... think about our family..."
"I am thinking about Max," I said softly, looking into his hollow eyes without a single tear in my own. "And I'm making sure she grows up knowing that her mother never let anyone steal her dignity."
