Chapter 5
Richard Vance, a sharp-eyed attorney with silver-streaked hair and an impeccably tailored charcoal suit, sat across from Arthur and Elena in the sunlit library. He slid a thick manila folder across the polished walnut table, filled with bank statements, text transcripts, and medical records that Elena had secretly saved over the past eighteen months. “This is a solid foundation for a restraining order and an immediate freeze on all joint marital assets,” Richard explained, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses. “However, to ensure Julian cannot manipulate the civil court or hide behind his family’s political influence, we need to address the criminal assault charges stemming from yesterday’s incident.” Elena opened the folder, her fingers brushing over the printed screenshots of threatening text messages Julian had sent her whenever she attempted to visit her father alone. “Will he go to prison?” she asked quietly, looking directly at the attorney. Richard exchanged a brief, meaningful glance with Arthur before answering honestly. “First-time domestic assault involving documented physical trauma, combined with documented financial coercion and extortion, carries significant prison time, especially given the public nature of yesterday’s confrontation at your birthday party. Several prominent guests have already contacted my office anonymously, offering to testify about his controlling behavior.” A sudden knock at the heavy library door interrupted the consultation, and Mrs. Gable stepped inside, holding a vibrating smartphone. “It’s him, Miss Elena. He’s calling from an unknown number and demanding to speak with you immediately.” Elena looked at the glowing screen, feeling a familiar pulse of anxiety spike in her chest, but Arthur stepped forward, gently taking the phone from Mrs. Gable’s hand. He pressed the speaker button and tossed the device onto the center of the table before anyone could object. Julian’s frantic, agitated voice filled the quiet room instantly, completely devoid of its usual arrogant polish. “Elena, you need to come home right now! My mother is beside herself, and the investors are asking questions about why the party ended like that. If you don't return by nightfall, I swear you’ll regret the consequences.” Arthur leaned over the table, pressing the end call button with a sharp, decisive click. The silence that followed felt sweeter and more powerful than any words could ever express.
