HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 233

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 233**

The judge raised his hand, a silent command that echoed through the courtroom, silencing Vanessa Blake. “Enough, Miss Blake,” he declared, his voice resonating with authority. “The course of this trial is abundantly clear. You cannot refute the evidence that has been meticulously presented. I will not permit this courtroom to become a theater for baseless accusations.”

The gavel struck the block with a sharp crack, its sound reverberating through the tense atmosphere like a gunshot. Vanessa stood frozen in place, her body trembling uncontrollably, her cheeks aflame with a potent mix of rage and humiliation.

With a steady hand, the judge lifted the files before him, his demeanor exuding measured authority. “After thorough deliberation of all evidence and careful consideration of both arguments, the court has arrived at a decision.”

A wave of hushed whispers rippled through the room, an electric buzz of anticipation. Reporters leaned forward, cameras poised, their lenses focused intently, eager to capture the pivotal moment that would soon unfold.

“The claims put forth by the defendant, Miss Vanessa Blake, are hereby deemed invalid. All accusations leveled against the plaintiff, Miss Althea Grayson, have been proven to be baseless. Consequently, the plaintiff’s counterclaim for defamation is hereby granted.”

“No!” Vanessa’s voice erupted, cracking under the weight of her emotions. “Your Honor, this is utterly unjust! Everyone only sees Althea’s polished image, not the truth that lies beneath!”

The gavel struck again, this time with a force that resonated throughout the courtroom. “Silence, Defendant! This is a courtroom, not a stage for your theatrics. You will listen to the ruling with the respect it deserves.”

A heavy silence enveloped the room, thick with tension. Vanessa sank back into her chair, her eyes burning with venom as they locked onto Althea, who sat across the room. How could it have come to this? How could she, Vanessa, be the one left standing on the losing side, her dreams crumbling around her?

The judge shifted his gaze to Althea’s attorney, his brow furrowing slightly. “The plaintiff has submitted an additional request, correct?”

The lawyer rose with an air of confidence, his posture straight and unwavering. “Yes, Your Honor. My client insists that the defendant not only pay financial damages but also issue a public apology. Given that the accusations were made publicly and have tarnished my client’s reputation, it is imperative that the retraction be made equally public.”

A low murmur swept through the courtroom, some spectators nodding in agreement, while others exchanged glances of disbelief. The judge struck the gavel once more to restore order.

With a finality that resonated through the room, the judge closed the file and brought down the gavel once more. “Court is adjourned.”

For a fleeting moment, silence reigned—then the room erupted into cheers, punctuated by the frantic strobing of camera flashes. Reporters surged forward, eager to capture every reaction, every flicker of emotion.

Althea rose slowly from her seat, her face a mask of calm, though the gleam of quiet relief in her eyes betrayed her inner joy. Adjusting her blazer with a sense of purpose, she walked out of the courtroom, not once casting a glance back at Vanessa. Her lawyers followed closely, their faces adorned with satisfied smiles. Along the way, she paused occasionally to return smiles and whisper thanks to those offering congratulations.

Meanwhile, Vanessa sank back into her chair, her body feeling heavy with despair. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, her complexion pale as the realization of her situation washed over her. She understood that the world outside was not waiting to comfort her; it was poised to witness her downfall.

“How could this happen to me?” she whispered, her voice cracking under the weight of her despair.