Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 489

Chapter 489: Chapter 85 Freedom at Last

Daniel’s POV

The day of reckoning had finally arrived. After what felt like an endless battle against my father’s judicial puppets, the divorce hearing was scheduled for today.

As I paced the marble corridors of the federal courthouse, tension coursed through my veins like molten steel. The hearing was minutes away, and Sasha was nowhere to be found. The last thing I needed was for her to pull another theatrical disappearing act on the day that would determine my freedom from the Martinez family’s political web.

"Inspector Martinez," I turned to my legal counsel, Dr. Citadel, unable to mask my concern. "If Sasha doesn’t appear, will the judge postpone the hearing?"

"It depends on the circumstances," Dr. Citadel replied with the unshakable confidence that had made him the most feared attorney in our circles. "But don’t worry. I’ve prepared compelling arguments for the judge to rule today. I even had a private consultation with him yesterday."

His calm demeanor was reassuring. Dr. Citadel was a master of the political chess game that ruled our world - steady voice, unshakable presence, and connections that reached into every corner of the justice system. Unlike my father’s crude attempts at judicial bribery, Dr. Citadel operated through legitimate channels and superior legal strategy.

When we were called into the courtroom, Sasha still hadn’t made an appearance. My lawyer was about to begin his opening argument when the mahogany doors burst open. Sasha strode in with her attorney, making an entrance as dramatic as the spoiled princess of a fallen political dynasty.

"This is such a waste of time, Daniel," she complained immediately, her voice echoing in the formal chamber.

The federal judge’s eyes narrowed dangerously. "Counsel, please remind your client this isn’t her family’s private drawing room."

"We’re cutting it close, Your Honor," her lawyer responded nervously, clearly intimidated by the judicial authority that even mafia money couldn’t fully control.

"Actually, you’re late," the judge corrected tersely. "Let’s proceed with this matter."

After completing the necessary formalities and explaining the purpose of the hearing, the judge recognized Sasha’s legal counsel.

"Your Honor, my client, despite her deep affection for her husband and their shared history within respected family circles, is willing to grant the divorce since that appears to be his desire. However, he filed incorrectly under federal jurisdiction, therefore I request dismissal of his petition," he stated with manufactured confidence.

I clenched my fists under the polished table, watching Sasha perform her role as the wounded wife of a powerful law enforcement official. Her charade made my blood burn with rage that threatened to explode past my professional restraint.

Dr. Citadel responded with surgical precision. "Your Honor, we’re here to correct a serious error resulting from systematic judicial corruption. The documents used to annul the previous divorce contained forged signatures and were processed through compromised channels. We shouldn’t be discussing a new divorce when the previous one was properly executed through legitimate federal courts, and its annulment was nothing but the product of criminal interference with the justice system."

The judge studied his computer screen intently, reviewing the extensive evidence Dr. Citadel had presented - forensic reports, financial records, and testimony from witnesses who had finally found the courage to speak against my father’s network.

"Mrs. Martinez," the judge finally spoke, his tone carrying the weight of federal authority that even mafia families respected. "When the divorce decree was annulled, there wasn’t a proper hearing, just submitted documents processed through questionable channels. Did you personally witness your husband signing these annulment documents?"

"Me? Of course I did," Sasha lied with the boldness of someone who had grown up believing family connections made her untouchable. "We were together. We were emotional when we discovered the pregnancy."

Dr. Citadel subtly gestured for me to remain patient, his years of experience dealing with politically connected families evident in his measured approach.

"And where have you maintained residence these past years?" the judge continued his methodical questioning.

Sasha glanced nervously at her attorney, clearly unprepared for this line of inquiry. "In Greenleaf."

"Are you absolutely certain about that location?" the judge pressed, his voice carrying the authority of someone who had already verified the facts.

"Yes, absolutely," she answered, but her voice had lost its earlier conviction.

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