Three months later, the sun shone brightly through the high windows of the Dallas County Family Courtroom[span_23](start_span)[span_23](end_span). Mark sat at the plaintiff's table beside his high-powered divorce attorney, corporate legal representative, and estate planner.
Attorney Hayes: We have submitted the prenup, the hospital medical reports for Sophie's dehydration, and the complete security footage into evidence, Your Honor.
Judge Vance: The defense may present their counter-argument.
Victoria's Lawyer: Your Honor, my client was suffering from extreme stress and was attempting a temporary disciplinary technique. She had no intention of causing long-term harm.
Judge Vance: Disciplinary technique? On a twenty-four-month-old child? By denying basic nutrition?
Victoria: Your Honor, Mark pressured me into taking care of his child! I wasn't ready to be a mother!
Judge Vance: Mrs. Victoria, you signed a legally binding prenuptial contract that explicit states any physical abuse or child cruelty nullifies all marital asset divisions and spousal support.
Victoria: But the mansion! I spent two years decorating that estate!
Judge Vance: You have zero right to the estate. Furthermore, the criminal court has already sentenced you to two years of probation and mandatory anger management for the assault on Maria.
Victoria: This is completely unfair!
Judge Vance: What is unfair, ma'am, is the way you treated a helpless toddler under your care. I am signing the final divorce decree today. You receive no alimony, no financial settlement, and no share of the business assets.
Mark: Thank you, Your Honor.
Judge Vance: Furthermore, I am issuing a permanent restraining order. You are not to come within five hundred yards of Mark or his daughter Sophie.
Victoria slumped into her chair, her head buried in her hands as her defense team gathered their files in silence. The golden dream of endless wealth had completely vanished.
Attorney Hayes: We also filed for restitution regarding the damaged locks and emergency medical evaluations.
Judge Vance: Granted. Victoria will pay all legal fees and medical expenses incurred by the plaintiff.
Victoria: I don't have that kind of money without Mark's accounts!
Judge Vance: Then you had better find employment, ma'am. Court is adjourned.
Mark stood up, buttoned his suit jacket, and walked past Victoria without giving her a single glance.
Victoria: Mark... please, just give me a second chance! I can change!
Mark: You had your chance to be a mother and a wife. You chose greed and cruelty instead.
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