Page 82 of Atlas Uncharted

She was seething.

And she was losing.

The judge cleared his throat, flipping through the stack of papers in front of him before looking over his glasses.

“This has been an absolute mess,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Ms. Carter, you have repeatedly refused to comply with court orders, spread false allegations, and dragged out a divorce that was finalized in every way that mattered months ago.”

Ashlen’s jaw tightened, but she kept that perfect, innocent expression plastered on her face.

The judge continued.

“Given the mountain of evidence provided regarding your mismanagement of shared assets and your role in defamation efforts against Mr. Carter and Ms. Monroe, this court finds no basis to grant you any further financial compensation. Your alimony request is denied.”

Ashlen’s mouth twitched. Her lawyer flinched.

Kairi, sitting behind me, exhaled a slow, relieved breath.

The judge leaned forward, his voice dry.

“This entire ordeal has been nothing short of a spectacle. It is evident that this was not a marriage, but a performance—one that, frankly, never should have reached this courtroom.” He exhaled, snapping the folder shut. “I’m granting the divorce, and this matter is now closed. I suggest both parties move forward with their lives.”

The gavel hit the bench. It was over.

Ashlen didn’t move.

Her entire face was nearly red as her hair as the bailiff dismissed everyone.

I stood up, adjusting my tie. Kairi reached for my hand as we turned to leave.

“You fucking ruined me.” She pushed past us, blocking out exit.

I stopped. Kairi stopped.

The courtroom wasn’t empty yet.

Mason stood near the door with a grin on his face. He had been helpful.

Ashlen got in his face.

“You told them everything. You’re the reason I lost everything,” she accused.

Mason stared down at her “I did. And everything I told was the truth.”

Ashlen laughed, but it was humorless. “The truth? You told them I used you. That I only married Atlas for his money. That I never gave a shit about his feelings. You stood there and let them paint me like I was the fucking villain.”

“You were the villain, Ashlen,” Mason said flatly. “I just made sure the court knew it.”

She seethed, hands clenching into fists. “You’re such a fucking coward.”

Mason smirked, but it wasn’t kind. “And you’re a liar who finally ran out of people willing to clean up your mess. I told you when you aborted my baby, I would repay you in the least kind way.”

That was something we’d found out during Mason’s testimony. He and Ashlen had a lot of baggage between them.

Ashlen opened her mouth, probably ready to spew more of her bullshit, but I cut in. I couldn’t help it. She had been a pain in my ass too long.

“Why are you still here, Ashlen?” My voice was calm. I was amused. “You lost. Take your L and go.”

She whipped around to face me, her eyes filled with fury.

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