Page 127 of Finding the Forward: Part Two
“We have ample evidence that not only did Mr. Chesterton forge the contracts, but he manipulated his father’s bank to redirect the funds. We submitted proof,” my lawyer said.
“Fake proof,” Bertie retorted, scrolling through his phone as if this hearing bored him. He looked like a less slimy version of Chet, gray in his hair.
“Don’t speak out of turn,” the judge scolded.
“If he stole from Mr. McGraff, where’s the money? We’ve submitted his assets, and there’s no record of it,” Chet’s lawyer replied.
Oh, but we found it. Or rather, one of the super hackers in Verity’s sister’s pack had.
“Again, this is designation bias. Iotas are always shunned. Why would my client even steal money? He has a thriving sports representation business and comes from an esteemed family,” Chet’s lawyer continued.
“Your client is broke and living off his wife. His agency is in debt. He’s been cut off from his trust,” my lawyer countered.
She shook her head. “That isn’t motivation to steal.”
I felt a snort through my bond with AJ. It sort of was. Though Chet hadn’t been spending much of the money, he’d stolen. The bit he had was used mostly to pay bills.
No. Those overseas accounts felt like go-funds.
“Grif’s salty that I told him not to date his little side piece. You should have listened to me. She’s a life ruiner,” Chet told me, giving me a snarky look. “Oh, the stories I could tell you about her.”
He exchanged a look with Winnie, who clucked and shook her head as if Verity was scandalous.
“So, you chose to ruin both our lives? You harassed her, destroyed her life’s work, and tried to mess with her career.” Anger boiled inside me. How dare he bring her into it?
His hands flew up in the air. “I did nothing but warn you off her.”
That was partially true. We still couldn’t pin wrecking Verity’s greenhouse on him–even with Samantha’s cooperation. All we could prove was him stirring up shit and sending a few mean texts from burners.
Chet’s lawyer cleared her throat. “Strike that. None of that is relevant.”
“Look, I didn’t destroy her greenhouse. Her trying to get my father’s position as a trustee revoked is dirty bullshit though.” Chet stood and looked like he wanted to throw something. “That girl has other enemies.”
“How did you know about it, then?” I pushed, wanting answers for my kitten. We hadn’t actually tried to get Bertie’s position taken away. Verity just brought up to the head of her department what was going on between me and Chet, as well as her own history with him.
“Mr. Chesterton,” his lawyer warned, looking like she wanted to strangle her client.
“Look, drop this ridiculous lawsuit and I won’t counter-sue you for defamation.” Chet shrugged.
“Mr. Chesterton, this is a criminal case, and due to the large amount in question, it is not for Mr. McGraff to decide if there are charges. It’smydecision,” Judge Russo told him.
Chet looked as if this were a personal affront. “I’m the victim here. Grif lied to me about his designation. Which is why I spoke up as soon as I knew, so no one would think I’d misrepresented him intentionally.” He put on a look of mock innocence. “I’m so glad the Knights fired you.”
It turned out that he’d known that I was a secret omega for years and had been sitting on it. He’d bought off one of my suppliers back when I was with the Hurricanes.
“Oh, so it’s okay for you to hide your designation due to bias, but not him?” my lawyer challenged.
“Again, irrelevant. Please disregard, Your Honor.” Chet’s lawyer gave him another sharp look.
Chet made a face back, like he was a child, not an adult in the middle of a court hearing.
“Chet, shut up and sit down or you’ll be sent outside,” Bertie hissed. “Your Honor, these charges are erroneous. We’re upstanding members of the community.”
Winnie rubbed Chet’s arm. He squeezed her hand and sat back down.
Judge Russo didn’t look convinced. But then Bertie probably didn’t know all her secrets.
“I’ve taken a look at the proof submitted and there’s enough to bring this to trial–and keep Mr. Chesterton in jail until then,” she told them.
