Chapter 5 - The Ambush at Court
The following morning, the New York Family Court building was swarming with reporters. Arthur Montgomery arrived in a tailored charcoal suit, surrounded by four lawyers and two bodyguards, looking triumphant.
Inside the courtroom, Sylvie sat beside Victoria Cross, looking pale but resolute. Damon sat next to her, holding her hand under the table, feeling her slight tremors.
Judge Harrison took the bench, looking down over his reading glasses with cold detachment. "We are here for an emergency hearing regarding the temporary protective custody of Alexander and Clara Vexley, filed by Mr. Arthur Montgomery."
Arthur’s lead attorney stood up smoothly. "Your Honor, as documented in our filing, Mr. Damon Vexley is currently facing financial ruin, potential federal indictments, and has shown signs of severe mental instability by abruptly abandoning his corporate duties. Mrs. Sylvie Vexley is recovering from a life-threatening delivery and is under extreme psychological pressure. Our client simply seeks to provide a stable, safe environment for his grandchildren at his Greenwich estate."
Judge Harrison nodded in agreement. "The allegations regarding Mr. Vexley's corporate instability are concerning. Mr. Vexley, do you have legal counsel present?"
Victoria Cross stood up. "Your Honor, we move for an immediate dismissal of this petition on grounds of malicious intent and fraud."
Arthur Montgomery let out a soft, mocking chuckle from his desk.
"On what grounds, Ms. Cross?" the judge asked sharply.
At that exact moment, the heavy oak doors at the back of the courtroom burst open.
Two uniformed federal agents from the Securities and Exchange Commission walked in, accompanied by Evelyn Reed and a team of federal prosecutors.
The entire courtroom went dead silent.
"Your Honor," the leading federal prosecutor declared, walking down the center aisle. "We serve this court with an emergency freeze order issued by the Southern District of New York."
Arthur Montgomery’s smile vanished. "What is the meaning of this?!"
The prosecutor turned to face Arthur. "Mr. Montgomery, forty minutes ago, BioGlobe Dynamics acquired controlling interest in Vexley Pharmaceuticals. During the transition, internal records revealed that you, along with Marcus Vance and Julian Sterling, engaged in a multi-million dollar fraud scheme involving Helios Capital to artificially deflate Vexley stock and seize assets illegally."
Arthur stood up, his face red with rage. "This is absurd! I am Arthur Montgomery!"
"And you are under federal investigation for market manipulation, bank fraud, and conspiracy," the prosecutor replied coldly. "Judge Harrison, we advise you that Mr. Montgomery's assets are currently frozen, and he is listed as a primary subject in an active federal criminal inquiry."
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Judge Harrison looked terrified. He quickly looked at the documents handed to him by the bailiff, his hands shaking. He looked at Arthur, then at Damon, who was sitting calm and unbothered.
"Case... case dismissed," Judge Harrison stammered, slamming his gavel down. "Custody remains entirely with the parents. Court adjourned!"
