Chapter 3 - The Web of Collusion
Two days later, Marcus’s office had turned into a full-scale forensic war room. On the whiteboards, Marcus mapped out the financial and social connections linking the Holland family.
“It’s about control and real estate,” Marcus explained, pacing the room with a cup of black coffee. “Dick Holland’s manufacturing firm has been bleeding money for three years. Your house in Winnetka? It was purchased primarily with a trust fund set up by your late father, but Vera’s name is on the secondary deed because Eleanor bullied you into adding her during your second anniversary.”
“They want the equity,” Blake realized. “If they can brand me as an abusive, unstable husband and get emergency sole custody, they can force a fast-tracked asset liquidation under the guise of ‘protecting the child and mother.’”
“Precisely,” Marcus nodded. “They thought you’d roll over, take a minor reprimand, and let Vera keep the house so you could see Ethan on alternating weekends. They didn't count on you walking out that night.”
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“Well, it’s time to show them what happens when you corner a prosecutor,” Blake said coldly, sliding a thumb drive across the desk. “Here is the audio file of Ethan detailing Carrie’s involvement, complete with the timestamp. And here is the timestamped metadata from the Naperville boutique proving Carrie committed perjury on her affidavit.”
Marcus looked at the screen, letting out a low whistle. “This is dynamic. We don’t just defend against their claims; we file immediate criminal referral requests for perjury and child endangerment against Eleanor and Carrie.”
