Marry Ex's Billionaire Uncle After Divorce (Aurora and Jasper) novel Chapter 43

<Chapter 31. The Hearing

Chapter 31: The Hearing

(Aurora’s POV)

Claim

I stood on the imposing steps of the Federal Court, arriving well before the scheduled time. The morning air was crisp, invigorating my senses as I waited. When Gavin hurried up the steps toward me, I was already composed and ready–more so than my attorney appeared to be.

“You’re early,” Gavin said, slightly out of breath. “Good. Shows determination.”

“I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” I replied, adjusting my blazer.

Gavin quickly shifted into professional mode, guiding me through security and toward the courtroom upstairs. As we walked down the corridor outside the courtroom, we came face to face with Jasper and his extensive legal team.

I stopped, removed my sunglasses, and lifted my chin slightly. I stared directly at Jasper with the appraising gaze of someone examining a defeated opponent.

Jasper clearly hadn’t expected such boldness from me. His step faltered momentarily. Though he tried to maintain his composure, the dark circles under his eyes betrayed his exhaustion.

A cold smile tugged at my lips as I turned my head slightly and whispered to Gavin, loud enough for Jasper to hear: “He looks tired. Good.”

I had assumed someone as arrogant as Jasper would send representatives rather than appear in person. He had tried calling my private number multiple times over the past weeks, but I never answered. As I had told him before, our next meeting would indeed be in court.

As the bailiff announced “All rise,” the judge entered, and the hearing officially began. Gavin, as the plaintiff’s attorney, presented our motion concisely and powerfully.

“Your Honor, we are not seeking monetary compensation. We request the court to issue an injunction forcing the defendant to cease infringement and make a public apology.”

Jasper sat in the defendant’s seat, his expression dark. When the patent ownership was mentioned, he urgently whispered to his attorney beside him.

His lawyer stood up. “Your Honor, Dr. Caldwell developed this patent while employed by Everett Group. According to the ‘Work for Hire‘ principle, this constitutes a work–related invention.”

Gavin immediately countered, “Dr. Caldwell’s job description at that time was ‘administrative

Chapter 31: The Hearing

Claim

secretary Medical research was not within her scope of duties. Moreover, it was the company’s malicious reassignment that forced her to conduct research in her private time.” Jasper’s lawyer tried to play the “marital property” card next. “Even if the research was done in her private time, she used funds that were joint marital assets.”

Gavin motioned for me to take the witness stand. Facing the questioning from Jasper’s lawyer, I didn’t flinch. I turned my head, looking past the lawyer, and locked eyes directly with Jasper in the defendant’s seat.

“I didn’t use ‘our‘ money, Jasper,” my voice was calm and clear, echoing in the courtroom. “Because you explicitly stated that my research was worthless to you. So I obtained startup funds from a private investor–my brother Leo Caldwell’s independent trust fund. Because when you dismissed me, I still believed in my work.”

Gavin promptly submitted detailed bank transfer records, proving that the funding source was completely separate from the Everetts‘ joint accounts. All expenses for purchasing experimental equipment and reagents were paid directly from Leo Caldwell’s independent trust account.

Gavin never fought unprepared battles. He had anticipated all of the opposition’s sophistry angles and prepared the corresponding evidence chain. Faced with this irrefutable evidence, Jasper’s lawyer was suddenly speechless.

Just as the situation was becoming one–sided, Jasper suddenly reached out to stop his lawyer from continuing to argue. The judge frowned at the defendant’s table, warning the lawyer to control his client.

Jasper ignored the gazes around him, staring intently at my determined eyes. He suddenly announced, “I’m withdrawing my defense and agreeing to all settlement terms.”

The courtroom erupted in murmurs. The judge hammered his gavel to maintain order.

Jasper looked at me, his voice hoarse as he asked, “Are you satisfied now?”

I didn’t show a trace of the emotion or softening he might have hoped for. I looked directly into his eyes and answered calmly but firmly, “The word ‘satisfied‘ implies this is a personal grudge, Jasper. It’s not. This is just correcting a wrong. I’m simply taking back what belongs

to me.”

The judge promptly adjourned the court. Jasper signed the settlement agreement with a flourish, then left the courtroom without looking at anyone, leaving his embarrassed defense attorney to pick up the pieces. It must have been the most disheartening case that high–priced lawyer had ever fought–a client choosing surrender before the battle was even decided.

Chapter 31. The Hearing

Claim

“That was easier than expected,” Gavin remarked as we walked out the courthouse doors. “Most straightforward case I’ve had in months.”

I felt a lightness I hadn’t experienced in a long time. “Thank you for being so prepared, Gavin.”

“You were brilliant in there,” Gavin replied, genuinely impressed. “The way you handled yourself on the stand–perfect balance of confidence and clarity.”

“Let me take you to lunch as a thank you,” I offered sincerely.

Gavin saw my genuine invitation and stopped refusing. “In that case, I’m ordering the most expensive wine to celebrate this victory.”

As we stood at the curb discussing restaurant options, a deep, magnetic male voice suddenly interrupted: “Gavin? What a coincidence.”

Gavin’s mouth twitched slightly when he saw Phineas. Today, Phineas was clearly meticulously dressed, exuding an undeniable charm. Even his typically icy expression carried a warm smile.

Gavin mentally rolled his eyes, feeling this guy was releasing hormones on all fronts.

I was surprised to discover they knew each other. Phineas explained they were college alumni.

Gavin looked at his powerful former classmate and couldn’t help but sarcastically remark, “I didn’t expect to see Mr. Everett here. My hourly rate is quite expensive, I’m afraid I don’t have time for small talk.”

(Gavin’s POV)

Phineas completely ignored my sarcasm and looked at Aurora with burning eyes. “Since you’re both going to eat, why don’t we go together?”

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