And criminal fraud. Fraud? Richard squeaked. When you submitted your financial affidavit to this court this morning, Vance said, waving a document. You listed your offshore accounts in the Cayman Islands as business expenses, but upon review during the recess, my clerks are very fast, we found that these accounts were used to purchase personal items, specifically a $2 million diamond necklace for Ms. Marlo and a $5 million villa in Tuscany.
Vance looked at Jessica. Nice villa, by the way. I hope the Italian police enjoy it. You You looked at the offshore accounts? Richard asked terrified.
I am a federal judge, you imbecile, Vance growled. I have clearance levels you don't even know exist. I saw the transfers. That is tax fraud. That is perjury.
And that is dissipation of marital assets. Vance slammed his hand on the desk. I am seizing the remaining $60 million total to cover the fines, back taxes, and punitive damages for emotional distress caused to my daughter. You're taking it all? Richard screamed, tears finally spilling down his face.
You're taking everything? "Not everything," Vance corrected him. You still have your debt. The mortgage on the Sterling estate is in your name, I believe. And since Elena is taking the house as part of the settlement, she will own the property.
You, however, will retain the liability for the outstanding loans you took out against the company last week. I believe it's about $15 million in debt. Richard fell to his knees. It wasn't a figure of speech. He literally collapsed onto the dirty courtroom carpet.
I'm ruined. I'm bankrupt. And you, Ms. Marlo? Vance turned his gaze to the jury box. Jessica looked up, her mascara running down her face in black streaks.
I didn't know about the fraud. I swear. I just wanted the necklace. He told me he was rich. He lied to me, too.
You are just as culpable. Vance said you accepted stolen funds and you assaulted a woman in open court. The district attorney is already on his way. You are looking at three to five years in a state penitentiary for the assault and another five for conspiracy to commit fraud. No, Jessica wailed kicking the wooden railing.
I can't go to prison. Orange makes me look shallow. You'll get used to it, Vance said coldly. He turned back to Elena. She hadn't said a word.
She just watched. She watched the man who had tormented her, who had called her useless, who had thrown her out in the rain, crumble into a sobbing mess on the floor. "Miss Elena," Vance said gently, "is this judgment satisfactory. Elena stood up. She picked up her briefcase.
She looked at Richard, shivering on the floor. "One more thing, your honor," Elena said. "Name it," Vance replied. The dog, Elena said. Baxter, the golden retriever.
Richard locked him in the kennel because he shed on the Persian rugs. I want the dog. Richard looked up, snot running from his nose. Take the damn dog. Take it all.
Granted, Vance banged the gavel. Judgment for the defendant. Court is adjourned.
The scene outside the Connecticut Superior Court was nothing short of a media frenzy. The news had leaked from inside the locked courtroom before the doors even opened. The headline was already trending on every social media platform. Billionaire bankrupted by secret father-in-law judge. Helicopters circled overhead, chopping the air while news vans blocked the streets for three blocks.
The heavy oak doors of the courthouse finally groaned open and the crowd surged forward against the police barricades. First came Jessica Marlo. If her entrance that morning had been a walk of pride, her exit was a march of shame. She was still wearing the white wedding-style dress, but it was now wrinkled and stained with sweat. Her wrists were bound tightly in steel handcuffs behind her back.
Two grim-faced officers gripped her arms, marching her down the stone steps. "Get off me! Jessica screamed, thrashing against the officers. She looked wildly at the cameras, desperate to spin the narrative. I'm a victim.
He lied to me. Richard Sterling told me he was divorced. I didn't know anything about the fraud. Do you know how many followers I have? You can't arrest an influencer.
Watch your head, ma'am, the officer said dryly, shoving her into the back of a squad car. "My dress!" she shrieked as the rough fabric of the car seat snagged her silk. Richard, you coward. Tell them I'm innocent. The door slammed shut, silencing her screams.
The cruiser's lights flashed, red and blue reflecting in the puddles, and it sped away, carrying the wannabe socialite to a very different kind of gated community.
Moments later, Richard Sterling emerged. He looked like a ghost of the man who had walked in. His custom Italian jacket was gone, left behind on the courtroom floor. His tie was missing. His shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, revealing a chest heaving with panic.
He stumbled down the stairs, blinking against the flashbulbs that popped like strobe lights. Mr. Sterling, is it true the judge seized your assets? Richard, how does it feel to lose half a billion dollars in an hour? Are you facing prison time for the Cayman accounts? Richard didn't answer.
He couldn't. His throat was closed tight with terror. He pushed through the reporters, his eyes scanning the curb for his salvation. "The car," he muttered to himself. "Just get to the car.
Get to the airport. He spotted his driver, Thomas, standing by the curb, but the sleek black Maybach was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a massive yellow tow truck was blocking the lane, hoisting the luxury vehicle into the air. "Thomas! Richard shouted, running toward him.
"Stop them! What are you doing? That's my car! Thomas, a large man who had endured Richard's insults for 5 years, simply crossed his arms. He was holding a cardboard box filled with Richard's sunglasses and phone chargers.
"Not anymore, boss," Thomas said, his voice flat. "The repo order came through 10 minutes ago. Judge Vance didn't waste any time. The bank owns it now. Do something.
Richard grabbed Thomas's arm. "Drive me to the airfield. We'll take the jet. Thomas laughed, shaking Richard off. "The jet?