Chapter 11 - The Hammer FallsJudge Reyes picked up her pen, marking the court documents with quick, decisive strokes.
"In the matter of custody," Judge Reyes declared, looking directly at Daniel, "I am granting Mariana Vance full, permanent legal and physical custody of Camila Gutierrez. Daniel Gutierrez is granted zero visitation rights until he completes a mandatory twenty-four-month psychiatric evaluation and court-approved parenting course."
Daniel slumped forward, burying his face in his hands, letting out a stifled sob.
"In the matter of asset division," Judge Reyes continued, "the court finds that Daniel Gutierrez engaged in severe financial misconduct. Therefore, all marital claims to Mariana Vance's business assets, real estate holdings, and personal accounts are completely denied."
She looked over at Carmen.
"Furthermore, regarding Geraldine Enterprises LLC and the real estate property located in Puerto Vallarta—the court hereby orders the immediate forfeiture of the deed. Total ownership of the property is transferred to Mariana Vance as restitution for embezzled funds."
Carmen let out a shrill, strangled gasp, clutching her throat as if she were choking. "My condo! You can't take my condo!"
"It was never your condo, Mrs. Gutierrez," Judge Reyes snapped coldly. "It was bought with stolen money."
Judge Reyes signed the final page with a heavy flourish and looked up at the defense table.
"And finally," the judge added, "this court is formally referring the financial audit files and child neglect records directly to the State District Attorney's Office for immediate criminal indictment."
BANG!
The gavel struck the block with the finality of a guillotine.
"Court is adjourned."
Judge Reyes stood up and walked off the bench into her chambers.
The moment the judge left the room, the courtroom erupted.
Carmen burst into violent hysterics, screaming obscenities at the judge, at Victoria, and at me, before two court bailiffs grabbed her arms and forcibly restrained her.
"YOU WITCH!" Carmen shrieked, struggling against the bailiffs, her face contorted with pure hatred. "YOU DESTROYED MY FAMILY! GOD WILL PUNISH YOU FOR THIS!"
I stood up slowly from the prosecution table, buttoning my suit jacket, looking at my former mother-in-law with complete indifference.
"God didn't punish you, Carmen," I said quietly, stepping close enough for her to hear my every word. "I did."
Daniel slowly lifted his head from the table. Tears were streaming down his pale, hollow cheeks. He looked at me, his eyes filled with a desperate, pathetic plea.
"Mariana..." he whimpered, his voice barely a whisper. "What am I supposed to do now? I have no money... no job... no home... no daughter... what do I have left?"
I looked at the man who had sat at a table full of lobster while his baby froze outside on a balcony.
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"You have that stale bread roll, Daniel," I replied smoothly. "I suggest you go find it."
Without another word, I turned on my heel, took Victoria’s arm, and walked out of the courtroom into the bright afternoon sunlight.
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