Chapter 4 - The Deposition
On Friday afternoon, the high-rise conference room on the 40th floor of the Century City Legal Tower was packed with attorneys.
Jackson sat on one side of the mahogany table, looking disheveled in a suit that was suddenly too loose for him. Genesis sat beside him, her usual pristine composure utterly shattered, dark circles visible under her eyes despite heavy makeup. Three defense attorneys sat on their side, looking exhausted and visibly stressed.
I sat on the opposite side, flanked by my criminal defense lawyer, my forensic accountant, and the lead prosecutor from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office.
"Let the record reflect," my attorney began, "that this deposition is being recorded for the criminal proceedings of State of California v. Jackson Miller and the civil fraud suit Claire Miller v. Genesis Miller et al."
Jackson’s lead attorney leaned forward, trying to maintain a hardline stance. "Look, Claire. We all know things got out of hand at dinner. Jackson deeply regrets his impulsive action. But taking this to court will destroy everyone. We are prepared to offer you a full financial settlement."
"What kind of settlement?" I asked calmly, folding my hands over my lap.
Genesis cleared her throat, trying to summon her old aristocratic authority. "We will agree to sign a mutual non-disclosure agreement. Jackson will agree to a quick, quiet divorce. And in exchange, I will allow you to keep your little apartment in Minnesota without further dispute."
I stared at Genesis for five long seconds. Then, I burst out laughing.
It wasn't a bitter laugh. It was a clear, ringing laugh of genuine amusement that filled the entire conference room.
"You'll allow me to keep my apartment?" I asked, leaning across the table. "Genesis, you seem to be under the delusion that you still have bargaining power."
I nodded to my attorney, who slid three red folders across the table.
"Exhibit A," my attorney stated. "The 4K security footage from your Hidden Hills dining room, showing Jackson throwing a heavy ceramic plate at my client’s face while you sat by and cheered him on. The District Attorney has upgraded Jackson’s charge to Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon."
Jackson flinched, pulling back from the folder as if it were on fire.
"Exhibit B," my attorney continued. "The forensic audit proving that Genesis Miller actively conspired with Jackson to forge Claire’s signature on four separate mortgage deeds, using her commercial assets to pay off Genesis’s personal back-taxes. That carries a mandatory sentence of five to eight years in state prison for grand theft and identity fraud."
Genesis’s hands began to shake violently. "You... you can't prove I knew about the signatures!"
"Exhibit C," I spoke up, looking Genesis straight in the eye. "An audio recording from the security system fifteen minutes before dinner, where you clearly told Jackson: 'Make sure she signs the transfer paper tonight, or we lose the Hidden Hills house to the bank by Monday.'"
May you like
The room went completely, utterly silent.
Jackson’s lead attorney slowly closed his briefcase. He turned to Jackson and Genesis, his voice dropping into a flat, professional tone. "We need to talk in the hallway. Now."
