Hanley did not answer immediately. His eyes remained on the stack of documents in his hand.
Vanessa’s shoulders had caved inward by inches, but enough that her clothes suddenly seemed costume-like, as though the elegance had been applied to someone less substantial than it first appeared.
Judge Whitmore folded his hands. “Mr. Reeves,” he said, “your request for full custody is denied.”
The words landed with legal simplicity and emotional finality.
Julian’s face went blank.
“Furthermore,” the judge continued, “based on the materials now before this court, there is significant evidence that the business assets at issue were misrepresented. There is also evidence of potential financial misconduct beyond the scope of this domestic matter. Those findings will be referred for immediate review.”
Julian rose halfway from his chair. “You can’t do that on the basis of one ambush.”
Judge Whitmore fixed him with a stare that could have frozen a fire. “Sit down.”
This time Julian sat at once.