Chapter 16 - THE COURTHOUSE CONFRONTATION
At 8:30 AM the following morning, the snow-covered steps of the New York State Supreme Court in downtown Albany were packed with reporters, news vans, and corporate onlookers.
News of the high-stakes custody battle between the billionaire CEO of the Bennett Group and the biological aunt of his adopted daughters had leaked to the national media, creating a frenzy.
A fleet of black Bennett Group SUVs pulled up to the curb.
Marcus stepped out first, holding a massive black umbrella over the rear door.
Charles stepped out, looking regal and imposing in a charcoal wool coat. He turned and offered his hand to Evelyn, who wore a simple, elegant dark blue coat. Together, walking side by side with absolute composure, they guided Lena and Ivy—who were wrapped in warm fur-lined winter coats—up the icy marble steps.
Victoria Vance stood near the top of the steps, flanked by her legal team, surrounded by flashing cameras. She looked down at Charles with a triumphant, cold glare.
"Enjoy your last few minutes of guardship, Charles," Victoria called out loudly for the press cameras. "The truth about your illegal acquisition of my brother's children comes out today!"
Charles didn't stop. He didn't even look at her.
"Save your breath for the judge, Victoria," Charles said calmly as he passed her, his arm protectively surrounding his daughters as they entered the heavy bronze doors of the courthouse.
Inside Courtroom 3B, the atmosphere was suffocating.
Judge Margaret Abernathy—a stern, grey-haired woman with thirty years of family court experience—sat behind the high wooden bench, reviewing a thick stack of documents that had been delivered to her chambers an hour prior.
Victoria’s lead attorney stood up, clearing his throat. "Your Honor, we request the immediate execution of the temporary custody transfer order. Mr. Bennett has demonstrated clear corporate hostility and has systematically denied my client her legal visitation rights—"
"Sit down, counselor," Judge Abernathy interrupted flatly, her sharp eyes scanning the documents before her.
The attorney blinked, caught off guard. "Your Honor?"
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"Before we discuss custody," Judge Abernathy declared, looking up from her desk, her gaze landing squarely on Victoria Vance, "we need to address the emergency motion filed two hours ago by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York."
Victoria’s face paled slightly. "What?"
