Page 147 of His Forced Bride
The cacophony is overwhelming, but I've learned to tune out media chaos over the years.
What concerns me is how pale Inessa has become, how her breathing has turned shallow despite her outward composure.
"Mr. Gravitch, is it true you're holding your wife against her will?"
"Mrs. Gravitch, do you need help escaping your marriage?"
"How do you respond to allegations of domestic imprisonment?"
I don't answer any of them.
The courthouse doors provide temporary refuge from the circus outside, but the real performance hasn't even begun yet.
Inside, Viktoria waits with her team of lawyers, and that's where the real battle begins.
When she sees Inessa, her expression transforms into maternal concern so convincing it would fool anyone who didn't know what she really is.
"Oh, darling. Look what he's done to you."
Viktoria's hand shoots to her mouth and her eyes well up with forced tears.
It disgusts me.
Inessa doesn't respond, but I feel the tension radiating from her body.
Her mother is performing for an audience that includes court officials, journalists, and curious onlookers who've managed to secure seats for the hearing.
She really deserves an award for the show.
Walking past, we find our seats on the left side of the room, next to the men I've hired to play a part here.
All of this will look effective to Viktoria, but the real work is being done behind her back as Oleg, Kirill, and Alexei busy themselves with digging up dirt.
The judge enters, and we all rise.
He's older, with silver hair and the authority to stop all of this.
But I can see the uncertainty in his eyes as he surveys the packed courtroom.
He's guilty, hands stained red with blood money that someone paid him to make sure this thing goes the direction he's been ordered.
A wise play on Viktoria's part, and one I may have employed myself in other circumstances.
Viktoria's lead attorney approaches the bench first, and I pull Inessa closer to me as he speaks.
"Your Honor, we're here today because a mother fears for her daughter's safety and freedom. Mrs. Mirova has compelling evidence that her daughter is being held against her will in what can only be described as a gilded prison."
He produces a manila folder filled with photographs that make my jaw clench.
Images of Inessa looking exhausted, pale, and sick.
These photos show the grief she's going through, and I would never have shared them with anyone.
They've been taken from surveillance footage from my very security cameras.
Someone hacked my system and stole them.
The pictures tell a story of captivity and abuse that bears no resemblance to reality, but they're damning, nonetheless.
