Chapter 9 - THE TITAN’S WRATH“Your Honor,” Elias said, turning his terrifying charm onto the bench. “My name is Elias Thorne. I am the CEO of Thorne Capital. I apologize for the interruption, but I have evidence pertinent to this court's decision regarding the character of Margaret Bennett.”
“This is a closed family court hearing, Mr. Thorne,” the judge warned.
“I am family,” Elias said smoothly. He looked at Daniel. “I am Daniel’s biological father.”
Daniel stood up. His chair scraped violently against the floor. “What? That’s a lie. My father was Arthur Bennett.”
“Arthur Bennett raised you because it was convenient for his stock price,” Elias said, his voice completely devoid of pity. “But you have my blood, Daniel. Unfortunately, you seem to have inherited your mother's spine.”
“Your Honor, I demand this man be removed!” Margaret shrieked, finally losing her composure.
Elias dropped the manila envelope onto the judge’s bench. “Inside that envelope are wire transfer receipts,” Elias said. “Margaret Bennett paid three million dollars over the last two years to a private judge in this district. Not you, Your Honor, but your colleague, Judge Harrison. She also paid the party guests to sign those affidavits against Claire Bennett. I know this, because I bought the debt of the shell company she used to make the payments.”
The courtroom erupted.
Sterling, Margaret’s lawyer, began hastily packing his briefcase. He knew radioactive waste when he saw it.
Daniel stared at his mother. The reality of his entire life was crashing down around him in real-time.
“Mom?” Daniel’s voice broke. “Is it true?”
Margaret couldn't look at him. She was staring at Elias with absolute, venomous hatred. “You promised me you would never interfere.”
“You chained my granddaughter to a post, Margaret,” Elias said coldly. “I don't care much for Daniel. But I do not tolerate anyone abusing my bloodline. You made a mess. Now I am cleaning it up.”
The judge pounded her gavel over the chaos. “Order! Order in this court!”
She opened the envelope, scanning the wire transfers. Her face turned purple with rage. She looked at Margaret.
“Margaret Bennett, you are to remain seated. Bailiff, secure the doors and contact the District Attorney’s office immediately. This court is initiating a criminal investigation into perjury, bribery, and fraud.”
The judge looked at Daniel, who had sunk back into his chair, looking like a hollow shell of a man.
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“The emergency custody petition is denied with prejudice,” the judge declared. “Full sole custody is awarded to Claire Bennett. And frankly, Mr. Bennett, you are lucky I am not having you arrested for filing a fraudulent petition.”
I closed my eyes. The breath I had been holding for four days rushed out of my lungs in a ragged sigh. We won.
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