Chapter 386
Three days later, the courtroom reconvened, and at last, McNeil appeared in person.
Both sides’ attorneys were present. Violet had also been summoned to attend.
Victoria’s lawyer went first, submitting all the evidence. McNeil sat silently at the defendant’s table, his gaze fixed on Victoria. He hardly blinked, watching her from the moment he entered until the proceedings began.
Violet sat stiffly in her seat. Usually, with McNeil around, she was calm and collected, confident in the knowledge he’d stand behind her. But today, everything was different.
Victoria’s lawyer began outlining the assets and rights she was seeking in the divorce. McNeil’s legal team gave no sign they intended to argue.
After Johnny finished his statement, McNeil finally spoke, his voice steady and low.
“Other than the accusation of adultery, I admit to everything else. There’s never been a real relationship between Violet and me.”
He looked at Victoria, his expression unreadable.
Victoria’s smile was faint, almost tired.
“Your woman showed me a prenatal report. She claims she’s carrying your child. But whether you two actually had an affair doesn’t matter anymore. What matters to me now is the money-the assets that should have belonged to me all along. Everything you gave her, I want it back. As for whatever she has in her belly, that’s your business. It has nothing to do with me.”
McNeil’s eyes darkened as he glanced at Violet. A flash of panic crossed Violet’s face, but she quickly wrestled her composure back.
“McNeil, she’s saying anything she can just to get more out of you. Don’t listen to her. There’s never been anything improper between us.”
McNeil looked away from Violet, ignoring her entirely.
Turning to the judge, he said, “I agree to the divorce and to all of Victoria’s terms for dividing our assets. However much she wants, she can have.”
Violet blurted out before she could stop herself, “What if she wants everything the Langford family owns? How are you supposed to live then?”
Her voice echoed through the room. Everyone turned to stare at her. Under McNeil’s cold gaze, Violet finally lowered her head, unable to meet his eyes.
No one responded to her outburst. The proceedings continued by the book. After the evidence was certified, the court began dividing assets.
When the verdict was read, Victoria was awarded fifty percent of The Langford Group. The ten percent of shares McNeil still held would be further divided. Everything McNeil had ever given Violet over the past six years-houses, cars, wire transfers—had to be returned in full. On top of that, Violet was ordered to pay Victoria one billion dollars in damages for emotional distress.
Violet’s knees nearly gave out. She almost collapsed on the spot.
There was more: the V&S Group, whose name change hadn’t yet been finalized, was also awarded to Victoria. Once the judgment went into effect, Victoria would regain full ownership of V&S Group, becoming the company’s legal owner and CEO.
Violet looked as if all the blood had drained from her face. In a single night, years of hard work had turned to dust.
McNeil’s attorney, the most renowned lawyer in Starfall City, couldn’t help casting a glance at his client. He’d never lost a case in his illustrious career. This was his first real defeat-one that left him shocked and helpless.
After the judge announced the ruling, he looked to McNeil.
“Does the defendant have anything further to add?”
McNeil’s eyes were still on Victoria, but she refused to look at him.
“I only ask for custody of my daughter. I want Victoria to have regular visitation. I don’t want our divorce to affect the child.”
That was all McNeil wanted. Violet, however, was furious.
What did that mean? If custody of Gwyneth went to McNeil, Victoria would still have to visit his house to see her daughter. What was the point of this divorce?
Not that Violet had any say in the matter.
“That’s fine,” Victoria replied flatly. “If you want our daughter, you can have her. Do with her as you please. I’ll still be her mother and fulfill my responsibilities, but the rest is up to you.”
Violet managed to compose herself, waiting until the proceedings ended.
Victoria was the first to leave the courtroom. Violet rushed after her.
“So what if you won?” Violet called out. “You think you can sleep at night with all that money? You love to act high and mighty, but in the end you were after his money, just like the rest of us. Why drag this out in court and make such a scene? Now that you’re divorced, I can finally be his girlfriend in the open.”
Victoria turned, cold and unamused.
“The only reason I went to court was to keep a thief from stealing what’s rightfully mine. As for McNeil-take him, if you want him. I don’t care. If you’re so fond of picking up other people’s garbage, be my guest. After all, every dog loves a bit of filth, don’t they?”
With that, Victoria stepped into her car and drove away.
McNeil emerged from the courthouse with his assistant and attorney. Violet hurried to catch up, her heart oddly buoyant despite being ordered to pay a billion dollars.
She wasn’t worried. Soon enough, she’d be McNeil’s official girlfriend. Surely he’d take care of the money for her.
“McNeil…”
She reached his side, but McNeil didn’t even glance at her.