Chapter 8 - The Courtroom Truth
The divorce hearing took place six months later.
Frank was awaiting trial and prohibited from contacting several Northstar employees. The Bellamy family had moved out of the mansion after refusing to pay commercial rent.
Isabella rented a modern apartment across town.
She entered the courtroom wearing a simple navy dress.
For once, there were no cousins, foundation directors, or photographers beside her.
Nicholas sat with Daniel Price at the opposite table.
He wore a dark suit and Walter’s old watch.
Isabella’s attorney requested significant spousal support, ownership of the mansion, and primary custody of Mackenzie.
Daniel responded with the prenuptial agreement, property records, and evidence of Isabella’s personal accounts.
The judge reviewed the mansion documents.
“Mrs. Hale, this property belongs to Northstar Holdings. It was never a marital asset.”
Isabella stared at the table.
Her attorney then argued that Nicholas had concealed his wealth.
Daniel presented annual disclosure forms signed by Isabella.
Each document identified Nicholas as Northstar’s founder and controlling shareholder.
She had signed them without reading.
Just as she had signed the foundation transfers.
The judge’s expression became severe.
“A signature is not decoration, Mrs. Hale.”
The custody decision came last.
The court awarded Nicholas primary physical custody, with Isabella receiving scheduled visitation and a path toward expanded parenting time if she completed counseling and maintained a safe environment away from Frank.
Nicholas had requested that path.
Daniel had advised him to seek stricter limits.
“She is Mackenzie’s mother,” Nicholas said. “I won’t use my daughter as punishment.”
After the hearing, Isabella approached him in the courthouse hallway.
“I thought you wanted to destroy me.”
Nicholas looked at her.
“I wanted to protect Mackenzie.”
“You could have taken everything.”
“I took back what your family stole.”
Tears appeared in her eyes.
“I was ashamed of you.”
“I know.”
“I thought people were laughing at me because you looked like a worker.”
“They were laughing because your father taught them to.”
“And I joined them.”
Nicholas said nothing.
Isabella looked at Walter’s watch.
“Why didn’t you tell me how powerful you were?”
“Because I needed to know whether you could respect me when you thought I wasn’t.”
She closed her eyes.
“And I failed.”
“Yes.”
The word was not cruel.
That made it hurt more.
“Is there any chance for us?”
Nicholas looked through the courthouse window. Mackenzie was waiting outside with Evelyn, holding the red toolbox she still carried everywhere.
“No,” he said. “But there is still a chance for you and Mackenzie.”
Isabella nodded slowly.
May you like
For the first time in years, she did not argue.
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