Chapter 3 — The Fall at the Courthouse
Three months later...
Montgomery County Courthouse.
The divorce hearing attracted reporters from across the state.
No one expected an ordinary divorce anymore.
This had become the largest financial fraud case Pennsylvania had seen in over a decade.
Richard arrived surrounded by expensive attorneys.
Vanessa followed several steps behind, sunglasses hiding the panic that now lived permanently behind her eyes.
Across the hall, Khloe appeared wearing a simple navy maternity dress.
Her pregnancy had reached thirty-six weeks.
Beside her walked Harrison.
He carried only one slim leather folder.
Richard laughed when he saw it.
"That's all you've got?"
Harrison smiled faintly.
"More than enough."
Inside the courtroom, the judge reviewed evidence for less than twenty minutes before looking directly at Richard.
"Mr. Harrington..."
"You failed to disclose over forty-three million dollars in marital assets."
"You falsified financial statements."
"You transferred funds through fraudulent shell corporations."
Each sentence landed like another hammer blow.
Richard's attorneys sat in stunned silence.
The judge continued.
"This court is referring this matter for criminal prosecution."
Reporters immediately rushed from the courtroom to file breaking news alerts.
Richard's empire collapsed before lunch.
But Vanessa wasn't thinking about prison.
She was watching Khloe.
Watching everyone comfort her.
Watching cameras follow her.
Jealousy consumed every rational thought she had left.
As Khloe slowly descended the courthouse staircase after the hearing, Vanessa pushed through the crowd.
"You think you've won?"
Khloe turned.
"It's over, Vanessa."
"No!"
Vanessa shoved her with both hands.
The world stopped.
Khloe lost her balance.
Then she fell.
One step.
Five.
Ten.
Thirty.
The sickening sound of her body striking marble echoed across the courthouse plaza.
Blood spread beneath her.
Harrison sprinted toward his sister.
"Khloe!"
She reached weakly for him.
"Harry..."
"The baby..."
"Please..."
May you like
"Save my baby..."
Her hand slipped away.
