Chapter 4 - The Divorce and Corporate Retribution
The weeks following the wedding were a whirlwind of legal warfare and high-society drama. The headlines were relentless.
"MONTGOMERY LOGISTICS COLLAPSES OVERNIGHT AFTER INSULTING VANCE HEIRESS" "WEDDING OF THE YEAR TURNS INTO CRIME SCENE: BRIDE AND MIL FACING ASSAULT AND FRAUD CHARGES"
Vivienne spent her days in the peaceful sanctuary of the Vance Estate, a sprawling, heavily guarded compound in the hills. For the first time in three years, she didn't have to worry about whether her outfit was expensive enough, or if her manners met the arbitrary standards of Eleanor Montgomery. She was surrounded by doctors, world-class chefs, and a father who spent every spare moment making up for the years they had spent apart during her self-imposed "normal life."
Dominic tried everything to reach her. He sent hundreds of texts, left desperate voicemails, and even showed up at the gates of the estate, only to be turned away by armed security.
One afternoon, Vivienne sat in the sunroom, sipping red bush tea, when Julianne entered with a thick manila folder.
"He signed them?" Vivienne asked.
"He didn't want to," Julianne replied, placing the divorce papers on the table. "He kept begging to see you, claiming he wanted to be there for the birth of his child. But after we served him with the corporate restructuring lawsuits, his lawyers advised him that signing the unconditional divorce was his only way to avoid personal bankruptcy."
Vivienne looked at the signature. Dominic Montgomery. It was shaky, a stark contrast to the arrogant man who used to tell her how to behave in public.
"And the rest of the family?" Vivienne asked, rubbing her stomach as the baby kicked.
"Eleanor Montgomery pled guilty to misdemeanor assault and destruction of property to avoid jail time. She’s been sentenced to two hundred hours of community service and a hefty fine. The local country club has revoked her membership, and her social circle has completely abandoned her. She’s currently selling her luxury vehicles to pay off their remaining debts."
Julianne permitted herself a small, professional smile before continuing. "As for Chloe, her new husband filed for an annulment forty-eight hours after the wedding. Her cousin Amanda turned state's evidence against her, admitting that Chloe planned the entire ring theft to humiliate you. Chloe is facing felony insurance fraud charges since she had already filed a claim for the ring the morning before the wedding, intending to keep both the money and the diamond. She’s looking at a minimum of two years in a federal penitentiary."
Vivienne closed her eyes, feeling a massive weight lift from her shoulders. She had spent three years believing she was the problem, that she just needed to try harder to fit into their world. Now, their world was completely shattered, and she was finally free.
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"Thank you, Julianne," Vivienne said. "Make sure the trust fund for the baby is completely locked down. Dominic will have zero legal right to custody or financial claims."
"It's already done, Ms. Vance. He has surrendered all parental rights in exchange for us dropping the civil lawsuits against his father's remaining assets. He is completely out of your life."
