Vance turned his gaze directly toward Julian and his mother. “Ten years ago, prior to meeting Mr. Mercer, my client came into her inheritance upon reaching the age of majority. While it is true that Valeria grew up in the foster system after losing her parents at an early age, her late grandfather was Arthur Vanguard, the sole founder of Vanguard Global Enterprises.”

A collective gasp rippled through the courtroom. Vanguard Global was a multinational real estate and venture capital conglomerate worth billions. Its true ownership had been shielded behind private trusts and offshore holding companies for decades to protect the young heiress’s privacy until she was ready to assume control.

Julian’s jaw dropped. His face drained of all color as he stared at me, his mouth opening and closing without producing a single sound.

“No… no, that’s impossible,” Julian whispered, his confidence completely shattering. “She was just an orphan. She worked at a small non-profit when I met her!”

“She worked at that non-profit because she chose to dedicate her time to helping children in the same system she grew up in,” Vance corrected coldly. “She lived modestly by choice. And when she married you, Mr. Mercer, she hoped to build a life based on genuine love, not financial transaction. Unfortunately, your family viewed her humility as weakness.”

Vance pulled another document from his file.

“Furthermore, regarding the Bel Air property,” Vance continued, looking up at the judge. “The primary mortgage and title were purchased through an entity known as Apex Crest Holdings. What Mr. Mercer never realized when he signed the lease-to-own agreements and development loans for that property is that Apex Crest Holdings is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vanguard Global. In short, Your Honor, my client does not just own the Bel Air estate—she owns the land, the mortgage, and the very development firm that Julian Mercer used to finance his lifestyle.”

Stacy let out a sharp, panicked breath, clutching Julian’s arm tightly. “Julian… what is he talking about? You said the house was yours! You said we were moving in!”

Julian didn’t answer. He couldn’t. His eyes were fixed on me, wide with horror as the reality of his situation crashed down upon him.