Chapter 253
“Your Honor’s clerk,” Ben says. “I need to bring to your attention a development that’s just occurred. A video and an audio clip have surfaced online that directly contradict the plaintiff’s claims. Furthermore, the plaintiff and her counsel abruptly left the room, despite our attempts to continue the proceedings.”
“I see,” she replies. “Do you have any information about the plaintiff’s intentions or whether they plan to return?”
“Unfortunately, no. They departed without explanation. Given the circumstances and the new evidence, we’d like to request guidance on how to proceed.”
Ryan tunes their voices out, thinking about how he hasn’t been this happy in months. He’s going to send Julie a gift. No, is that too much? Jeez, she probably still despises him. He tunes back in just as the judge enters.
The judge’s stern gaze sweeps the room. “What’s this about the plaintiff leaving?”
Ben stands. “Your Honor, new evidence has surfaced online that directly contradicts the plaintiff’s claims. We request the case be dismissed or ruled in favor of the defendant.”
The judge frowns, glancing at the court clerk. “Is this evidence verified?”
The clerk nods, holding out a tablet. “It’s already circulating widely, Your Honor.”
The judge takes a moment to review the information. “Counselor, can you tell me more about this evidence that’s surfaced online? What steps have you taken to verify its authenticity?”
As Ben speaks, Ryan watches his lips and hands move, but it’s like trying to listen underwater. It’s a good thing he never became a lawyer. He’d be bored to death.
“…However, the newly surfaced evidence reveals that the plaintiff confessed to deceiving the defendant, passing off her boyfriend’s child as the defendant’s, in an attempt to gain favor within the company…”
This catches Ryan’s attention. Every time he thinks about that part, it peels off the scab of an existing wound, one that’s barely healed. God, when would this all be over?
The judge is now speaking, “In light of this new evidence and the plaintiff’s unexplained absence, I’m inclined to grant a default judgment in favor of the defendant. However, I want to ensure that the plaintiff had adequate notice and opportunity to respond. Clerk, please confirm that the plaintiff was properly notified of the hearing and that they’ve had sufficient time to respond to the new evidence.”
“Yes, Your Honor,” the clerk says. “The plaintiff was properly notified, and their counsel was present at the start of the hearing. However, they departed abruptly without explanation.”
“Very well. Given the circumstances, I’m granting a default judgment in favor of the defendant. The case is dismissed.”
Ryan feels a surreal lightness. Ben shakes his hand with a triumphant grin, but Ryan barely registers it. His mind is elsewhere-on Julie. On every demon she must have fought in her mind before choosing to leak that evidence.
When he steps out into the hallway, he pulls out his phone and types a message: ‘Thank you.’ It’s simple, but he hopes she’ll understand everything he can’t put into words.
“Ryan.” A familiar voice pulls him back to reality. His mother is standing in the waiting area, arms crossed. “I saw Emily storm out earlier. What the hell happened? And why is it so loud outside?”
Ryan glances toward the courthouse doors, where reporters and bystanders are undoubtedly swarming. He smiles, a real, genuine smile that feels foreign on his face. He hopes Emily didn’t make it out in time before the mob turned on her. He hopes she gets so bullied that she deactivates her socials. He hopes she goes into hiding and he never sets eyes on her again. The list of his hopes is endless. But most importantly, he hopes this brings him peace.
4/5
Chapter 253
“How’s the weather in Belize this time of year?” he asks his mother.
“What?”
“I’m thinking of taking a vacation. As you suggested.”
Adeline squints at him. “Are you going to tell me what happened in there?”
He slings an arm over her shoulder, steering her toward the exit. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you on the way home.”
“Unhand me, Ryan.”
Ryan shakes his head. “Not happening. Smile brightly for the cameras, Mom.”
The courthouse doors swing open, and the noise of the crowd rushes in. But for the first time in months, Ryan feels like he’s stepping into the light.
