Chapter 10
The conference room on the fourteenth floor of the county courthouse was cold, sterile, and smelled faintly of floor wax and old paper. Fluorescent lights buzzed softly overhead, casting harsh shadows across the polished mahogany table where Julian sat opposite Richard Vance and a court stenographer. In the corner sat the district attorney, observing the proceedings with a quiet, watchful eye.
Elena was not present, but her presence hung over the room like a toxic fog.
"Mr. Hayes," Richard began, his tone dripping with patronizing condescension as he paced the length of the table. "Let’s review the timeline once more. You claim that you received the letter containing sensitive information regarding the 2018 Savannah accident approximately five minutes before you walked down the altar."
"That is correct," Julian replied, his voice even and unshakeable. He wore a simple charcoal suit, his posture straight and composed.
"And you made no effort to verify the authenticity of this document with Ms. Vance prior to terminating the marriage in front of four hundred guests?" Richard pressed, leaning over the table to stare him down. "You chose public spectacle over private communication."
"I chose truth over comfort," Julian answered instantly, not backing down an inch. "When I read the police report reference number provided in that letter, I checked the public database on my phone right there in the vestry. The records matched. The car, the date, the location. There was nothing left to discuss with Ms. Vance, because her entire existence in my life was built on a foundation of perjury."
Richard sneered, turning toward the stenographer to ensure every word was recorded. "An anonymous tip received under suspicious circumstances is hardly concrete proof, Mr. Hayes. You acted out of emotional instability, fueled by a stranger's manipulation."
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"Is that why your client has refused to take the stand and deny the allegations?" Julian countered, a faint, cold smile touching the corners of his mouth. "If she’s innocent, Mr. Vance, why hasn't she stepped forward to swear under oath that she wasn't in Savannah on the night of October twelfth, 2018?"
Richard opened his mouth to reply, but the district attorney raised a hand, stepping into the exchange. "Counselor, that line of questioning is entirely appropriate. The defense knows full well that Ms. Vance’s cell tower data from that night places her vehicle within three blocks of the intersection where the victim was struck. The deposition is concluded."
