The courtroom erupted into chaos. Even James‘ pupils constricted. He fixed his gaze on the judge, his eyes cold with intensity.
Isabella snapped back to herself and released a hysterical cry. “I don’t accept this. I want to appeal!”
Nothing felt real. Seven years of marriage to Dominic were over, just like that.
“Order!” The judge struck the gavel and spoke with measured calm. “According to the plaintiff’s request, the marital property will belong to the wife. We will now address custody of the child.”
Isabella’s lips trembled. Her desperate gaze never left Dominic.
Dominic rose to his feet. “Because Isabella has been occupied with work, I have handled most of Lily’s meals and daily care over the past seven years. With respect to custody, I believe I am the more suitable parent. I have my own residence, a stable job, and the means to raise her-”
“I give up.”
The interruption cut him short.
Every head turned toward Isabella.
Pain and sorrow were written across her face. Tears streamed down as she looked at Dominic, a fragile smile trembling on her lips. “I said it. I give up custody of Lily.”
Dominic frowned but remained silent.
The judge asked, “Defendant, are you certain you are voluntarily relinquishing custody of your daughter?”
Isabella drew a deep breath. “Yes. I am certain. I am giving it up of my own will.”
She turned to Dominic. “Honey, I’m not giving up custody because I don’t love Lily. I know you can take better care of her. We will remarry,”
Dominic only shook his head in silence and sat down. Her decision spared him a great deal of effort.
Isabella took her seat as well. Her eyes stayed on Dominic and never wavered. ‘Dominic, Lily is our bond. As long as she is with you, I can feel at ease. I will not give up on either you or Lily.‘
Pain and resolve intertwined in Isabella’s gaze.
The judge finalized the divorce, What was done could not be undone. Even so, a divorce did not erase every possibility. There was still a chance to remarry.
The trial concluded shortly after. Dominic stood and said to Lydia, “Send me the fee details on WhatsApp later. I’m leaving now.”
“Mm–hmm, I will.” Lydia smiled, barely containing her excitement.
These were the Sinclairs, after all. A victory like this would elevate her standing once word spread. She had already decided to hire 500 fake accounts to stir public attention.
Dominic nodded and walked toward the courthouse exit.
A figure appeared ahead and forced him to stop.
James stared at him. His voice sounded calm, but anger simmered beneath it. “Dominic, I underestimated you.”
“Do you need something, Mr. Sinclair?” Dominic asked.
Since the divorce, he no longer used the title “father–in–law.”
Chapter 160
+30 Bonus
James frowned, unsettled by the absence of it. “Who helped you? The Garcias? Or did you rely on your grandfather’s influence?”
James knew about Dominic’s grandfather. Those medals, earned in battle, carried immense weight. He was a living war hero.
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