Chapter 4 - The Legal Siege
The following morning, the sun rose over a city that had become a legal battlefield.
By 8:00 AM, every major news outlet in the state had received an anonymous tip regarding the sudden collapse of Vance Logistics. Headlines read: "VANCE HOLDINGS BANKRUPT: THORNE ENTERPRISES RECALLS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CREDITS AMID DOMESTIC ABUSE SCANDAL."
A leaked video clip—showing Evelyn throwing the bucket of dirty water over a visibly pregnant Brenley—had gone viral across social media platforms, accumulating over fifteen million views within three hours. The public outrage was swift and brutal. Protesters were already gathering outside the Vance corporate headquarters, carrying signs that read “JUSTICE FOR BRENLEY” and “BOYCOTT VANCE PRODUCTS.”
Inside the master conference room at Thorne Tower, Rourke sat at the head of a twenty-foot glass table. Around him sat ten of the top family law, criminal defense, and corporate litigation attorneys in the country.
At his side sat Brenley.
She was dressed in an elegant lavender maternity dress, her hair neatly tied back in a low bun. Though she was still quiet, the pale, broken look from the previous night was gone. Beside her was a warm cup of herbal tea, and her hand rested comfortably on the table.
"Walk us through the filings, Gerald," Rourke commanded.
Gerald opened a thick leather binder. "First, the emergency divorce petition has been granted by Judge Abernathy under expedited status due to proven spousal abuse and endangerment of an unborn child. Second, we have filed a civil lawsuit against Carter Vance, Evelyn Vance, and Veronica Miller for intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment, and conspiracy to commit child abduction."
"What about the criminal charges?" Brenley asked, her voice calm and firm.
Gerald smiled grimly. "The District Attorney’s office reviewed the surveillance footage this morning. Warrants have been issued for Evelyn Vance for aggravated assault against a pregnant woman, and for Carter Vance for felony domestic endangerment and accomplice to assault. They are currently staying at a cheap motel near the airport using Carter's emergency cash. Police units are en route to arrest them as we speak."
Brenley nodded slowly. "Good. What about the baby's custody?"
"Under state law, a father facing active felony charges for domestic violence against the mother loses all automatic visitation rights upon birth," Gerald explained. "We are filing for absolute, sole legal and physical custody with zero visitation rights for Carter Vance or his family. Furthermore, we are requesting a permanent restraining order extending until the child reaches eighteen years of age."
Rourke looked at his daughter. "Is there anything else you want to add to the suit, Brenley?"
Brenley looked at the city skyline outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. For months, she had been made to feel like a prisoner in her own life, living under the thumb of two cruel, greedy people who thought they were untouchable.
"I want the Vance name off my baby's birth certificate," Brenley said, turning back to the lawyers. "My child will carry the Thorne name. And I want the Vance ancestral estate in the valley."
Rourke raised an eyebrow, a proud smirk touching his lips. "The valley estate? They mortgaged that land to my firm three years ago to pay off Carter's failed stock ventures."
"I know," Brenley replied smoothly. "Evelyn loved bragging about that land. She used to tell me that a 'commoner' like me would never set foot in her family's historic home. I want to buy the mortgage from your firm, demolish the mansion, and build a pediatric community center for underprivileged mothers."
The lawyers around the table exchange quiet, impressed glances.
Rourke slammed his hand down on the table with a booming laugh that echoed off the glass walls. "Done! Gerald, transfer the title of the valley estate to Brenley's personal trust immediately! Issue the demolition permit for next Monday!"
"Right away, Mr. Thorne," Gerald bowed his head.
Just then, the conference room door opened, and Rourke’s executive assistant stepped in, looking slightly unsettled. "Mr. Thorne... Carter Vance is downstairs in the lobby. He's making a scene, demanding to see Mrs. Thorne-Vance. The media is outside filming him."
Rourke stood up, smoothing his tie. "Is that so? He wants an audience?"
"Dad," Brenley stood up too, her hand resting on her bump. "I want to go down there."
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"Brenley, you don't need to face him," Rourke said softly, concern washing over his features.
"Yes, I do," Brenley said, looking her father in the eye with unwavering determination. "He spent two years making me hide in the shadows. I'm not hiding anymore."
