He smirked and said, “You’ll never touch my money again.” Two minutes later, the courtroom was laughing — except him.

Judge Hawkins listened without expression as Mr. Harrison presented their case. They had charts showing Benjamin’s income, graphs demonstrating my lack of contribution, and testimony from character witnesses who painted me as a gold digger who had trapped an innocent man.

Dorothy took the witness stand first, wearing a navy suit and pearls that made her look like the perfect society matron. She spoke in a clear, confident voice about how I had never fit into their family.

«Benjamin tried so hard to help Carmen improve herself,» Dorothy testified. «He paid for etiquette classes, bought her appropriate clothing, even hired tutors to help her learn about art and culture. But she showed no interest in bettering herself or supporting Benjamin’s career.»

Every word was a lie, but Dorothy delivered them with such conviction that I almost believed them myself. Benjamin had never paid for any classes or tutors. The only thing he had paid for was my silence and submission.

«Mrs. Foster has no understanding of the social obligations that come with being married to a man of Benjamin’s standing,» Dorothy continued. «She embarrassed him at business functions and refused to participate in charitable activities. Frankly, I’m surprised the marriage lasted as long as it did.»

Mr. Harrison nodded approvingly. «Thank you, Mrs. Foster. No further questions.»

My lawyer, Mr. Peterson stood up for cross-examination, but he looked nervous and unprepared. «Mrs. Foster, isn’t it true that your son controlled all the finances in the marriage?»

«Benjamin managed the money because he’s good with finances,» Dorothy replied smoothly. «Carmen showed no interest in learning about such things.»

«And isn’t it true that you encouraged your son’s relationship with Miss Hayes?»

Dorothy’s eyes flashed with anger. «I have no idea what you’re implying.» Mr. Peterson sat down quickly, clearly outmatched. I wanted to scream at him to fight harder, but I reminded myself that this was all part of the plan.

Next, Benjamin took the witness stand. He looked handsome and sincere in his dark suit, every inch the successful businessman who had been taken advantage of by his greedy wife. «Your honor,» Benjamin said, his voice full of sadness, «I loved Carmen deeply, but our marriage became impossible. She had no interest in building a life together or supporting my career.»

«She spent money frivolously and refused to take responsibility for household management. I tried to help her, but she seemed content to live off my hard work without contributing anything in return.» Mr. Harrison guided Benjamin through a detailed account of our marriage that bore no resemblance to reality.

In Benjamin’s version, I was lazy, selfish, and financially irresponsible. He was the long-suffering husband who had tried everything to save our marriage. «I’m asking for a modest settlement that will allow Carmen to start fresh,» Benjamin concluded, «a small monthly allowance, and perhaps some job training to help her become self-sufficient. I bear her no ill will, but I can’t continue to support someone who refuses to support herself.»

The courtroom was silent when Benjamin finished. Even I had to admit he was convincing. If I didn’t know the truth about his crimes and affairs, I might have believed him myself. Veronica never testified, but her presence in the courtroom spoke volumes. She sat behind Benjamin like a queen waiting to claim her throne, occasionally touching his shoulder or whispering encouragement in his ear. Dorothy beamed at her with obvious approval.

When it was my turn to testify, I played my part perfectly. I spoke quietly about how I had tried to be a good wife, how I had managed our household and supported Benjamin’s career in ways that didn’t show up on financial statements. But even to my own ears, I sounded weak and unconvincing.

Mr. Harrison’s cross-examination was brutal. He made me admit that I had no income, no savings, and no job skills. He questioned every expense I had made, every decision I had taken, until I felt like a criminal on trial for the crime of being financially dependent. By the end of the day, it was clear that Benjamin had won. His lawyers were smiling, Veronica was practically glowing, and Dorothy looked like she was already planning the wedding reception.

But I wasn’t worried. Tomorrow, Judge Hawkins would read my letter, and everything would change.

I sat in that cold wooden chair, watching Benjamin whisper his cruel words about never touching his money again. Veronica’s sweet voice calling him «sweetheart» made my skin crawl, but I kept my face blank. Dorothy’s declaration that I didn’t deserve a cent should have hurt, but instead it filled me with satisfaction. They had no idea what was coming.

Mr. Peterson stood up with shaking hands, pulling out the white envelope that contained two months of careful planning. «Your Honor, I have one final piece of evidence to present on behalf of my client. Mrs. Foster has prepared a letter for the court’s consideration.»

Benjamin’s confident smile faltered slightly. His lawyers looked confused, whispering among themselves about evidence they hadn’t been told about. Veronica shifted in her seat, her perfect posture becoming less perfect. Dorothy’s cold eyes narrowed as she watched the envelope make its way to Judge Hawkins.

Judge Hawkins opened the envelope carefully and began to read. The courtroom was so quiet, I could hear my own heartbeat. I watched her face as her eyes moved across the pages, seeing the moment when her expression changed from mild interest to shock to something that looked like delight.

She read for what felt like forever. Benjamin was staring at me now, trying to figure out what I could possibly have written that would matter. He still looked confident, but there was worry creeping into his dark eyes, the same eyes that had lied to me for years.

When Judge Hawkins finished reading, she looked up at Benjamin, then at Veronica, then at Dorothy. Then she started to laugh, not a polite chuckle, but a real, deep laugh that echoed off the walls. She laughed so hard she had to take off her glasses and wipe her eyes.

«Oh, this is good,» she said quietly, her voice carrying in the silent room. «This is very good indeed.» The confident smiles disappeared from their faces, like someone had turned off a light switch. Benjamin’s face went pale. Veronica’s mouth fell open. Dorothy’s cold composure cracked for the first time in eight years.

Judge Hawkins composed herself and looked directly at Benjamin. «Mr. Foster, according to this letter, your wife has been working with federal investigators for the past two months. She has provided extensive evidence of your money laundering operation, including recordings, photographs, and financial documents.»

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