Part 2: The Final Signature
Inside Courtroom 3B, the air felt heavy with mahogany polish, old paper, and the cold weight of finality. Judge Reynolds reviewed the thick stack of dissolution papers through his reading glasses, his pen hovering above the final line.
“Mr. Vance,” Judge Reynolds said, looking up at Gregory. “You are waiving all future claims to the residential property on Mercer Island, as well as the equity in Vance Logistics, in exchange for a full release from spousal support obligations. Is that correct?”
“That is correct, Your Honor,” Gregory replied smoothly, casting a brief, arrogant glance back at Ashley, who sat proudly in the front row. “I am leaving my ex-wife the house and her current vehicle. In return, I retain full ownership of my expanding consulting firm and my financial portfolio.”
Judge Reynolds turned his gaze to Madeline. “Mrs. Vance—or rather, Ms. Madeline Hayes—you have signed this agreement willingly, without spousal support or future claims to Mr. Vance’s business assets?”
Madeline sat up straight, her posture effortless, her face serene. “Yes, Your Honor. I have signed willingly. I ask for nothing from Mr. Vance’s personal wealth or business.”
“And regarding the child?” the judge pressed gently. “You are eight months pregnant. The custody and child support arrangements will need to be finalized upon birth.”
“Mr. Vance has already signed a preliminary waiving of residential custody,” Madeline’s attorney stepped forward, handing a blue-stamped folder to the clerk. “He has agreed to pay the statutory minimum child support, as he believes his focus should remain on his new corporate ventures.”
Gregory smirked subtly. To him, paying a small monthly check was a tiny price to pay for complete freedom from Madeline and a clean slate to build his new high-society life with Ashley.
Clack.
The judge’s gavel struck the wooden block. “The marriage of Gregory Vance and Madeline Hayes is officially dissolved.”
Gregory immediately turned to Ashley, pulling her into a dramatic kiss right there in the gallery. Ashley looked over Gregory’s shoulder, flashing Madeline a triumphant, mocking smile.
Madeline didn’t flinch. She slowly gathered her coat, adjusted her pregnancy belt, and walked past them out of the courtroom, her silent, beautiful smile firmly in place.
To see Gregory and Ashley’s lavish wedding crumble just hours later, continue reading below for Part 3.
