Chapter 20 - Shadows of Victoria
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The courtroom was heavily air-conditioned, but the opposing counsel was sweating.
Maya sat calmly at the plaintiff’s table, organizing her legal pads with meticulous precision.
The lawyer across the aisle, an older, aggressive man named Mr. Sterling, leaned over the wooden divider.
“You’re in way over your head, little girl,” Sterling sneered quietly so the judge wouldn't hear. “My client has millions. We will drag this custody battle out until your pro-bono foundation goes bankrupt.”
Maya paused, looking at Sterling’s arrogant smirk.
For a fleeting second, she saw Victoria’s face.
She heard Victoria’s voice telling her that she was a stranger, that she was worthless, that wealth dictated reality.
Maya didn't shrink back.
She didn't tremble.
She smiled.
“Mr. Sterling,” Maya said, her voice perfectly even and terrifyingly polite. “Do you know what happens to bullies when you take away their bank accounts?”
Sterling frowned.
“What are you talking about?”
“I filed a motion this morning with the federal financial crimes division regarding your client's offshore accounts,” Maya whispered back. “I found the discrepancies in his tax returns. If he doesn't sign the custody agreement today, giving the mother full rights, he won't be fighting for custody. He’ll be fighting a federal indictment.”
Sterling’s face lost all its color.
“You’re bluffing.”
“Check your email,” Maya said simply.
The judge entered the room, and the bailiff called the court to order.
Maya stood up, her posture perfect, her confidence absolute.
She had spent her entire childhood running from monsters.
Now, she hunted them for a living.
Ten minutes later, Sterling was frantically whispering to his client.
Fifteen minutes later, the custody agreement was signed, granting Maya’s client full protection and rights.
As they walked out of the courthouse, the young mother hugged Maya, sobbing with relief.
“How did you know he would fold?” the woman asked.
Maya looked up at the bright blue sky, thinking of Arthur.
May you like
“Because people who rely entirely on intimidation are actually the greatest cowards,” Maya said gently. “Once you show them you aren't afraid, they have nothing left.”
She hailed a cab, eager to get back to the foundation and tell her father the good news.
