Chapter 6 - The Battle for the Name
The legal war moved from the criminal courts to the probate and family courts over the next two months. Even from her jail cell, where she was held without bail due to her vast financial resources and flight risk, Victoria refused to surrender completely. She hired a new team of aggressive defense lawyers who attempted to challenge Leo’s biological claim to the family estate.
"They are demanding a full, court-ordered forensic DNA test, Leo," Mr. Hale explained during a meeting in his office. "They are trying to claim that Marianne falsified the birth records, and that you have no legal right to the Vale family assets or the restoration of the trust fund."
"I'll take the test," Leo said without a second of hesitation. "I'm not afraid of the truth. I want everyone to know exactly whose blood is in my veins, so they can see that she didn't just abandon a stranger—she abandoned her own child."
The DNA collection took place in a secure medical unit under the supervision of a federal judge. When the results were returned three days later, the report was absolute: a 99.99% biological match between Leo Cole and Victoria Vale.
With the DNA evidence secured, Mr. Hale launched a massive counter-suit for the total restoration of the trust fund, along with punitive damages for the intentional infliction of emotional distress and the wrongful death of Marianne Cole, whose medical condition had been exacerbated by the stress and poverty enforced by the Vale family’s financial freeze.
The corporate board of Vale Industries, desperate to salvage what was left of the company's reputation, voted unanimously to strip Julian and Victoria of all voting shares and executive power. The company issued a public apology to Leo, offering a multi-million-dollar settlement to resolve the civil claims before the trial could begin.
"They want to settle, Leo," Mr. Hale said, sliding the corporate offer across the desk. "They are offering forty million dollars, the title to the historical Cole family property in the valley, and a public admission of guilt from the corporation."
Leo looked at the paper, then at the silver key that sat in his palm. "Tell them I accept the settlement on one condition."
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"What condition, Leo?"
"The money doesn't go to me. It goes into a permanent, national foundation for single mothers who need medical care and housing. And the foundation will be named after my real mommy: The Marianne Cole Sanctuary."
