Chapter 10 - The Sovereign Settlement
The judge didn't hesitate for a second before delivering the final decree.
"By authority of the state of New York, Ethan Sterling is completely stripped of all parental rights regarding the three minor children. Full legal and physical custody is granted exclusively to Claire Vance."
The judge continued, his voice ringing through the silent room.
"Furthermore, under the spousal abandonment and financial fraud statutes, Mr. Sterling is ordered to pay six million dollars in back-dated medical restitution and emotional damages to Claire. Julian Vance is hereby granted full adoption rights as their legal father."
BANG!
The gavel hit the sounding block.
Ethan collapsed backward into his chair, staring into blank space as his attorney quietly packed his briefcase, refusing to even comfort him.
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Claire turned toward Julian with tears of relief in her eyes. Julian pulled her gently into a warm embrace, kissing her forehead as she let out a long, shuddering breath of true freedom.
👉 Read PART 11 to see Julian and Claire's breathtaking seaside wedding!
