Chapter 2 - WHAT THE JUDGE COULD NOT DOJudge Ward did not have Jason arrested.
That disappointed the people who later turned the hearing into headlines.
Family court was not a criminal courtroom.
Daniel had warned me.
“The judge can make findings relevant to the divorce. She can issue protective relief within her authority. She can refer apparent criminal conduct. She cannot turn a dissolution hearing into a felony trial.”
Reality lacks satisfying shortcuts.
Judge Ward reviewed the first part of our proffer privately with counsel.
Then she returned.
She ordered the remainder maintained under seal pending authentication hearings.
Temporary financial restraints remained in place.
Neither Jason nor I could transfer major marital assets without notice.
Briarstone could continue ordinary operations.
Jason retained day-to-day management subject to existing fiduciary and disclosure obligations.
The house would remain occupied by me temporarily.
Jason’s request to force an immediate sale was denied.
No final ownership ruling.
No company handed to me.
No dramatic gavel declaring victory.
Afterward Jason waited outside the courtroom.
Madison stood several feet behind him now.
Interesting.
He looked directly at me.
“You lied.”
Daniel stepped between us.
“Do not engage.”
I moved around him.
“No.”
Daniel sighed.
I kept my distance from Jason.
“What exactly did I lie about?”
“You told everyone it was an accident.”
There.
First crack.
Daniel went still.
Jason realized what he had said.
His attorney touched his arm.
“Jason.”
He backed away.
May you like
Too late.
A reporter had heard.
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