Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Weeks passed and it was September 1st

...

Bob sat in the Washington High court room with a small smile worn on his face, he was quite excited for what was to come.

The court was just as special as it sounded, with an earnest air of struggle and strife. Only Attorneys and lawyers could stay unconcerned with this.

Bob in his navy blue double breasted suit glanced over his shoulder towards Attorney Chris who sat right next to him. Seeing the reassuring nod the Attorney gave him, Bob returned it with that of utter confidence in him.

Except for the clerk, the court reporter and the judge, there were no other people but Bob, Courtney, and their Attorneys. Confidentiality of this case was very important to avoid a scandal and the net's propaganda. Both Courtney and Bob were important personalities, and it was only safe that they did things this way.

They wouldn't want their respective reputation in jeopardy and risk it for "world's view". After all, they had a life to get back to after all of this was over.

Clank!

The gavel was struck!

" The file in my hand states that this is a divorce trial involving Mr Bob Richardson and Mrs Courtney Richardson, and representing the two parties respectively are Attorneys Chris Reynolds and Johnson Dwayne... Are you both the parties and are you both prepared to proceed?" Judge Lauren Hodges spoke calmly. There were visible wrinkles above his slightly grey eyebrow and his dull eyes spoke of experience. He was a stout man with a demeanor of wise judgement, and had been a respectable judge in the high court for many years. Both parties couldn't be any less satisfied by his predominance over the case and would accept his verdict.

Bob exchanged a glance with Courtney after the judge's question, they both seemed to reach an agreement as they nodded at the same time,

"" Yes""

" Alright... And do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony that you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?"

" Yes, your Honor"

" I do"

" That's it. Thank you very much... Now Ms Courtney since you filed the petition for divorce, you will provide evidence first. Through your representative , Attorney Johnson, please, tell me if there are any issues between you and Mr Richardson which you have not been able to reach an agreement upon such as division of property or debts, child support, legal child custody or physical placement. I believe you've prepared an argument?" He gestured towards the middle aged Attorney with the fierce aura of a lawyer sitting beside Courtney.

" Thank you, your Honor. Now without further ado, I shall present claims before this honorable court in representation of my client here, Ms Richardson, whom as you would have realized, is still willing to take on her to-be former husband's surname in this irretrievably broken marriage for the sake of the child between them..."

Courtney glanced towards Bob who couldn't help but nod at the Attorney's competence. He was well spoken and outstanding, just as expected.

" Most relevant amongst these claims being a Just and Equitable distribution of the properties between my client and her to-be former husband as in the Revised Code of Washington, Title 29. Along with the additions of the issue of Child custody and visitation, as well as child support,

" If you would please take a look at the financial statement that I would be putting forward before this court as an evidence which I have had verified by relevant parties, including the other party..." He pointed towards Attorney Chris.

" In this financial statement contains the full disclosure of my clients assets, properties, shares, debts and other entitlements during the period of her marriage with her to-be former husband,

The Judge gave Attorney Chris a questioning look to which the latter affirmed with a cordial nod.

" Very well. You may proceed to submit this. Ms Honesty please record this as Exhibit A" Judge Lauren urged the clerk, who was a dark skinned lady in her late 40s and of average height.

Attorney Johnson nodded and swiftly walked up to the clerk and submitted a stacked file. He returned to where he previously stood beside Courtney and cleared his throat before he started to speak again,

" My client co-owns the company Citadel's with her to-be former husband, and has made great contributions as the standing CEO of the company. I will be submitting a substantial data on her accomplishments in relation to her co-owner in the company as evidence to the effect that a fair distribution of property could be reached. Of course, only if that is fine by you, your Honor?"

" Yes, you may" Judge Lauren nodded. The attorney made another quick submission to the Clerk once again and it was registered as Exhibit B.

" Now regarding the grounds of these claims, it is solely based on Mr Richardson's irresponsibility as a father and husband towards the emotional needs of my client and their child.

" Your Honor, on the 23rd of July, we have substantial evidence and a witness to prove that Mr Bob Richardson had engaged in an extra marital affair..."

' Straight to the point, and precise' Bob donned a serious expression as he listened to Courtney's Attorney presenting his claims and argument. He couldn't remember the date but he could tell just what incident he was talking about, it wasn't until now that he realized just how despicable Courtney was. But Bob wasn't bothered, he had a means to counter.

Courtney had went straight for Citadel's in property distribution, just as she'd demanded back when he had tried to negotiate with her. Of course, the alimony claims was inevitable and as for child custody, Bob was totally unconcerned about it. But one thing bothered him just as the Attorney argued the case.

Although Bob didn't believe she would be granted the claim of child support at first, but he now saw a possibility stemming from the emotional argument the Attorney had just put forth. It was a tiny probability that could lead to success if there is enough grounds to convince the judge.

Bob wasn't intimidated nevertheless as he simply kept his calm. He glanced at Attorney Chris and was even more relieved seeing the confident smirk on his face.

...