Chapter 266 The Verdict

Chapter 266: Chapter 266 The Verdict

The courtroom buzzed with whispers and movement until the doors shut once more. One sharp strike of the gavel silenced the room as the judge prepared to deliver the ruling.

"Based on the testimony, bank records, forensic accounting report, and documentary evidence submitted today, the court makes the following findings."

Serena’s eyes moved to Alpha Sebastian.

"During his marriage to Eira Crawford, Mr. Hale transferred substantial community funds to Serena Winthrop without Ms. Crawford’s knowledge or consent. Those transfers were concealed as research funding, but the defense failed to provide credible proof of a legitimate investment, a functioning research budget, or any documented return to Mr. Hale."

A murmur moved through the gallery.

The judge turned to Serena.

"The evidence further shows that Ms. Winthrop accepted a significant portion of those funds while aware that Mr. Hale was married. The court finds that she was not a good-faith recipient of the disputed assets."

Serena’s lips parted.

Mason leaned toward her. "Don’t say anything."

She barely heard him.

"Under California’s community-property laws, Mr. Hale owed his spouse a fiduciary duty to disclose and protect marital assets. The undisclosed transfers constituted a breach of that duty and a dissipation of community property."

Alpha Sebastian’s shoulders sank.

The judge continued.

"Accordingly, the court orders an accounting of all disputed transfers and assets. Ms. Winthrop shall reimburse the marital estate for all funds traced to improper transfers, including any property, vehicles, jewelry, or other assets acquired with those funds. Any assets that have been sold, transferred, or cannot be recovered shall be accounted for at their verified value."

Serena’s face went white.

"You have fifteen days to provide a complete accounting and surrender the traceable assets. Any remaining balance will be enforced as a money judgment."

The judge turned toward Alpha Sebastian.

"The unrecovered value of those transfers will be charged against Mr. Hale’s share of the community estate. If his share is insufficient, he will remain personally liable for the balance."

Alpha Sebastian finally looked up.

"Finally, the court finds that Ms. Crawford is entitled to reimbursement for reasonable attorney’s fees and litigation costs caused by the concealment of community assets. The exact amount will be determined in a separate fee order."

Serena’s breathing became shallow.

The judge lowered the papers.

"These findings concern civil financial liability. They do not determine whether separate criminal charges should be filed. Any such matter belongs to the district attorney."

The gavel struck.

"Court is adjourned."

Serena sank back in her chair, her face pale as ash.A broken sob escaped her as tears slipped down her cheeks.

Alpha Sebastian kept his eyes on the floor. He could not bring himself to look at Serena, and he had no courage left to face Eira.

At the plaintiff’s table, Eira remained standing. Her back was straight, her hands still, and her expression quiet.

There was no smile of victory.

Only release.

For four years, she had swallowed every humiliation and questioned her own worth. Today, the court had finally named what had been done to her.

Susan turned to her and offered her hand.

"Congratulations, Dr. Crawford."

Eira shook it. "Thank you."

Susan’s smile warmed. "You did the hard part. We only helped put it on the record."

Eira glanced at the files, the evidence screen, and the people who had stood beside her.

"Team effort."

"Team effort," Susan agreed.

Behind them, Alpha Killian rose from his seat. His eyes met Eira’s across the courtroom.

He did not clap or say a word.

He simply gave her one slow nod.

And somehow, that meant more than any applause.

The courtroom slowly emptied. Before anyone could leave, the clerk directed both parties to review and sign the official record.

Serena stood first.

Her face had gone pale, and she walked toward the exit without touching the pen placed in front of her. Refusing to sign would not change the ruling, but Eira understood what it meant.

Serena knew she had lost.

An appeal would cost more money and buy her only more time she didn’t have.

Without Alpha Victor’s support, she had no way to satisfy the judgment.

He was probably already at the hospital. She needed to find him. She needed to beg.

The courtroom doors closed behind her.

At the clerk’s table, Susan went over the final terms with Eira. Eira read every page before signing her name in neat, decisive strokes.

Alpha Sebastian picked up the pen in front of him.

Eira recognized it at once. She had given it to him years ago. The nib had broken during a business trip, but he had paid to have it repaired and continued using it.

His hand shook as he read the judgment.

"I’m sorry, Eira," he said, his voice rough.

She did not look at him. She was already gathering her files.

Alpha Sebastian stared at her back, as if there were still something he could say to make her stop.

Then he lowered the pen to the paper.The nib snapped clean in two.

Alpha Sebastian looked down at the broken pen. A tear slipped down his cheek.

When he looked up again, Eira was gone.

--

"Eira!"

Lila charged across the courtroom and threw her arms around her.

"We won!" she cried, bouncing on her heels. "The homewrecker is going down. And let this be a lesson: never trust a lying Alpha."

Her voice rang beneath the high ceiling. A few people turned, but Lila didn’t care.

Eira laughed despite herself. "Yeah. We won."

Over Lila’s shoulder, she found Alpha Killian watching her.

He stood a few feet away in his white dress shirt, his jacket folded over one arm. His silver eyes were warm, the faint crease at their corners betraying the smile he was trying to hide.

Eira slipped free of Lila’s embrace and crossed to Beatrice.

Beatrice pulled her into a tight hug. "You did beautifully, sweetheart. Alaric would be so proud of you."

Eira’s throat tightened. "Thank you."

She hugged Martin next.

"A new beginning, Miss Crawford," he said, his voice gentle.

Eira nodded. "A new beginning."

Claire was crying openly by then. Eira squeezed her shoulder.

"Hey, no more tears." She brushed a damp strand of hair from Claire’s cheek. "And next time you fall for someone, keep your eyes open. Don’t make the same mistakes I did."

Claire nodded hard and wiped her face.

Then Eira spotted Miles near the counsel table. Without him and Alpha Killian tracing the money trail, she might still be buried in years of property disputes and hidden accounts.

She walked over. "Thank you, Miles."

"All credit goes to Alpha Killian," Miles said quickly. "He gave the orders. I just followed them."

His eyes flicked toward Alpha Killian with the wary instinct of a man who knew exactly when to step aside.

Eira finally turned.

Everyone else had received a hug or a handshake. Alpha Killian had received nothing.

"Playing favorites?" he asked, his voice light.

Eira smiled and held out her hand. "Congratulations, Killian."

Alpha Killian ignored her hand.

He stepped closer instead, his polished shoes stopping inches from her plain white flats. His gaze dropped to her fingers, then slowly returned to her face.

Before she could lower her hand, his fingers closed around her waist.

He drew her against him.

The warmth of his body seeped through her blouse and coat.

Eira’s breath caught.

Alpha Killian lowered his head. His mouth stopped beside her temple, close enough for his breath to brush her skin.

He didn’t kiss her.

That almost-kiss was worse.

A shiver slipped through Eira , and her fingers curled into the front of his shirt.

Alpha Killian leaned closer, his lips grazing the air beside her ear.

"Congratulations, Rae."