ago?
Sandra’s eyebrow arched. “Six months ago. Interesting. Your Honor, I’d like to present Exhibit A. ”
She handed a document to the judge and then to Leon. “Mr. McKenna, this is a receipt for a weekend getaway at the Belmont Hotel. It’s dated nine months ago and shows a reservation for Leon McKenna and guest. Was this guest Vanessa Carlson?”
Leon’s face paled “yes, but-
“So your relationship became romantic nine months ago, not six as you just testified under oath?”
“I meant-”
Sandra cut him off. “Mr. McKenna, did you lie to the court just now, or are you simply unable to keep track of your infidelities?”
“Objection” Denton shouted. “Badgering the witness.”
Judge Hawthorne’s gavel came down “Sustained, Ms. Patel, please rephrase.”
Sandra nodded. “Mr. McKenna, can you explain the discrepancy in your timeline?”
Leon fumbled for words. “I… I guess I got the dates mixed up. It’s been a stressful time.”
“I’m sure,” Sandra sald dryly. “Mr. McKenna, when did you inform your wife of your relationship with Ms. Carlson?”
Leon’s discomfort was palpable. “I didn’t. She she found out on her own.”
And how did that happen?
Leon’s eyes flicked to Laura. “She came home early one day and found us together.”
A murmur ran through the courtroom Laura closed her eyes, the painful memory flooding back
Sandra continued her questioning, methodically dismantling Lean’s version of events. By the time she finished, Leon looked thoroughly rattled.
Next came the evidence of the vandalism. Officer Thompson took the stand, his testimony professional and damning
“We set up a sting operation based on information provided by Mrs. McKenna and her sister,” Thompson explained. “On the night in question, we apprehended three individuals in the act of vandalizing Mrs. McKenna’s property.”
Sandra nodded. “And were these Individuals known to the defendant?”
APTER NINETIEN A Whiter That Chonor Everything
HAPTER NINETEEN–A Whisper That Changes Everything
es,” Thompson confirmed. “They were identified as close friends of Vanessa Carlson, Mr. McKenna’s partner”
Η
the security footage from Mr. Patrick’s store played, showing the women buying supplies just before the vandalism, Laura noticed inessa squirming in her seat.
hen it was Laura’s turn to take the stand, she felt a moment of panic. Sandra gave her an encouraging nod as she approached.
Ars. McKenna, Sandra began gently, “can you tell the court about your marriage to Leon?”
ura took a deep breath. “We were college sweethearts. We got married right after graduation. For years, I thought we were happy. We th worked hard, supported each other’s careers. I thought we were building a life together.”
ind when did things change?
ura’s voice wavered slightly. “Looking back, I can see the signs started about a year ago. Leon became distant, always working late, ways on his phone. But I never suspected… I trusted him completely.”
Laura recounted the day she discovered the affair, she fought to keep her composure. She could feel Leon’s eyes on her but refused look his way
twasn’t just the betrayal,” she continued. “It was the lying, the sneaking around. And then to find out he’d been hiding money? It felt re my whole life had been a lie.”
indra’s questioning continued, allowing Laura to paint a clear picture of her dedication to the marriage and the devastating impact
Leon’s actions.
hen Denton stood for cross–examination, his tone was brusque. “Mrs. McKenna, isn’t it true that you often prioritized your career her your marriage?”
sura met his gaze steadily. “I worked hard, yes. But so did Leon. We both agreed on the importance of building our careers.
But you were often away on business trips, correct?”
les, as part of my job. Leon knew this when we got married. He never expressed any issues with it until after I caught him cheating ”
ton’s lips thinned. “No further questions, Your Honor.”
e final dramatic moment came when Sandra revealed the financial records. She called their accountant, Mrs. Reeves, to the stand.
Mrs. Reeves,” Sandra began, “can you explain these transactions to the court?
se accountant adjusted her glasses. “These records show regular transfers from Mr. and Mrs. McKenna’s joint account to a separate count in Mr. McKenna’s name only. The transfers began approximately eight months ago.”
And the total amount transferred?”
Is. Reeves glanced at Leon, who had gone pale. “Just over $100,000”
gasp went through the courtroom. Laura felt as it she’d been punched in the gut. She knew about the account, but not the amount ow had she been so blind?
indra turned to the judge. “Your Honor, this clearly demonstrates Mr. McKenna’s intent to deprive Mrs. McKenna of marital assets. imbined with his infidelity and the harassment Mrs. McKenna has endured, we believe this justifies a deviation from standard imony calculations in Mrs. McKenna’s favor.”
dge Hawthorne nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll take that under advisement. We’ll take a brief recess while I review all the evidence
esented.”
they filed out of the courtroom, Laura felt drained. Jen guided her to a nearby cafe, ordering them both strong coffees.
ou did great,” Jen assured her. “Did you see Leon’s face when they revealed the money? He looked like he was going to pass out”
ura nodded absently, her mind still reeling from the day’s revelations
ben they returned to the courtroom, the tension was thick enough to cut with a knife Judge Hawthorne cleared her throat, silencing
fter careful consideration of all evidence presented, I’m ready to deliver my ruling,” she began. “In the matter of alimony, given Mr. Kenna’s demonstrated financial misconduct and the circumstances surrounding the dissolution of the marriage, I’m ordering a viation from standard calculations. Mr. McKenna will pay alimony to Mrs. McKenna in the amount of 40% of his income for a
CHAPTERNETE A Wiper That Changes Everything
period of five years.”
Laura’s breath caught. That was significantly higher than the standard 30% they had anticipated.
Judge Hawthorne continued. “Regarding the division of assets, the court orders a 65-35 split in Mrs. McKenna’s favor, including 65% of the value of the Stamford property,”
As the judge detailed the rest of her ruling, Laura sat in stunned silence. It was more than they had hoped for.
“This court is adjourned,” Judge Hawthorne concluded, bringing down her gavel.
The courtroom erupted into a flurry of movement and voices. Laura sat still, trying to process what had just happened.
Sandra turned to her, beaming “Congratulations, Laura. This is a big win.”
Laura nodded, a smile slowly spreading across her face. “Thank you, Sandra. For everything ”
As they gathered their things to leave, Laura saw Leon approaching Before he could reach them, Jen stepped between them.
“Not today, Leon,” Jen said firmly. “I think you’ve done enough
Leon opened his mouth as if to argue, then seemed to think better of it. He turned and walked away, shoulders slumped
Outside the courthouse, the late afternoon sun felt warm on Laura’s face. For the first time in months, she felt light, unburdened.
“I think this calls for a celebration,” Jen declared. “Drinks?”
Laura laughed. “Absolutely.”
They headed to a nearby bar, clinking glasses in a toast to new beginnings. As Laura took a sip of her martini, she heard a familiar
voice.
“Laura? Laura McKenna, is that you?”
She turned to see Keisha Williams, an old friend from college, approaching
