Chapter 31: Final Court Hearing! The Cheating Ex Is Ordered to Repay Every Penny He Stole

“Eileen Thorn, what the hell did you set me up with?!”

Bryce was pinned down by court officers at the defendant’s table, his tie hanging crookedly as his wild eyes swept across the gallery.

Eileen sat in the plaintiff’s seat in a charcoal-gray suit.

She did not even blink.

Kyle Hunter stood and placed the final stack of evidence before the witness stand.

“Your Honor, over the past three years, the defendant transferred money out of the joint account forty-seven times, totaling $2.16 million.”

“Every transaction is supported by bank statements, signed records, and proof of where the money was spent.”

He paused.

Then his eyes moved toward Leah, who had curled herself into a tight ball in the gallery.

“This includes the Chelsea rent and Hamptons vacation expenses paid for by the defendant’s assistant, Ms. Leah Mason.”

Leah’s face instantly went pale.

Bryce whipped around.

“Leah! You said you deleted everything—”

“Order!”

The gavel slammed down.

But Leah suddenly stood.

“Your Honor, I have additional testimony.”

The entire courtroom erupted in whispers.

Bryce’s pupils contracted.

“How dare you!”

“How dare I?”

Leah gave a bitter laugh as tears streamed down her face.

“When you made me your scapegoat, did you ever think about today?”

She pulled a recording device from her bag and handed it to the bailiff with both hands.

“In March 2024, he personally ordered me to split the investors’ advance payments into twenty smaller transfers.”

“The receiving accounts belonged to his mother and his cousin.”

The corner of Kyle’s mouth lifted almost imperceptibly.

This was the final blow they had been waiting three months for.

The judge put on his glasses and listened to the recording word for word.

The court was then adjourned for deliberation.

Forty-two minutes later, the hearing resumed.

“This court rules as follows.”

The clerk’s voice echoed through the marble courtroom.

“The defendant, Bryce Carter, shall, within ten days after this judgment becomes effective, fully repay the plaintiff $2.34 million in home purchase deposits, misappropriated funds, and related personal expenses.”

“In addition, the defendant shall pay $410,000 in legal fees, penalties, and interest.”

“Failure to pay on time will result in compulsory enforcement and the seizure of all assets held in the defendant’s name.”

Bryce’s legs gave out.

His body slid down beside the defendant’s table.

Two court officers immediately grabbed him.

He twisted around and screamed.

“Eileen! We were together for three years! How can you do this to me?!”

Eileen finally looked up.

She stood, straightened the cuff of her suit, and spoke in a quiet voice that every reporter in the front row could hear.

“Bryce, you were the one who tore those three years apart on that rooftop.”

“Today, the court simply picked up the pieces for me.”

She turned and walked toward the exit.

Her heels struck the floor one after another, each step sounding like nails being driven into a coffin.

Reporters rushed after her.

Microphones were pushed almost against her face.

She never stopped.

“I believe in the law.”

Behind her, the judge struck the gavel again.

“In addition, this court notes that the SEC has today opened a separate criminal investigation into the defendant for suspected securities fraud.”

Eileen’s footsteps paused for half a second.

She did not turn around.

But she heard it.

Behind her, Bryce collapsed completely in the defendant’s seat.

A broken sound escaped his throat.