Chapter 8 · The Verdict Is My Script

Chapter 8

That afternoon, I recorded my fourth video. "Day four. I'm still apologizing to Mr. Charles Pierce."I opened the court judgment. "I shouldn't have called some of the money transfers malicious before all the evidence was presented."I deliberately slowed my speech. "The judgment states that during the marriage, there were large amounts of money transferred from our joint account. There's still a dispute over how that money was used."The comments section immediately picked up on the key points.[Joint account. Big transfers. Dispute. Say no more.][These fifteen apology videos should be required viewing in family law class.][Bet her husband's lawyer is watching this too.]I didn't watch for long, because Charles called.I answered.Charles lowered his voice. "Stay away from the joint account."Staring at the transaction history on my screen, I asked, "Why?""That money was used for legitimate purposes.""What did you spend it on?"He went silent."You can tell me now. I'll have my lawyer verify it," I said.Charles let out a cold laugh. "Julia, so your lawyer's the only one you trust now?""Yes.""We have been married for twelve years, and this is how you treat me?"That sounded familiar.Back in my previous life, when he moved our money around, he said that.When he was fighting for custody, he said that, too.When he took Kinsley to interviews, the same.He'd been using that excuse for way too long."We've been married for twelve years, and you transferred 290 thousand dollars without telling me," I said.Charles's breath hitched on the other end. "You checked up on me?""I'm looking into our marital assets.""Do you really have to go this far?""I'm making sure the numbers add up."He hung up.Ten minutes later, Kinsley posted a new update.She kept her face out of frame, only showing her hand.She was wearing that gold bracelet on her wrist.The caption read: [A gift from someone can be twisted into a crime.]People quickly matched the bracelet to the amount I mentioned in my second video.Someone joked: [Do you get a receipt for a gift?]Another chimed in: [A regular coworker gives you several payments of 143 dollars? Seriously, is your company still hiring?]That night, Anna sent me a message. [Charles might file a counterclaim. Don't let him get under your skin.]I texted back: [Got it.]Just as I finished, Lily knocked and came in.She was holding her little pillow. "Mom, can I sleep with you tonight?"I lifted the covers.She snuggled up next to me and stayed quiet for a while.As she was about to fall asleep, she whispered, "Mom, I'm on your side."My eyes stung. "You don't have to pick sides."She closed her eyes, her voice gentle. "But Dad says I have to choose."I held her hand. "Then choose yourself."After I posted the fifth video, I got a call from an unknown number.The caller claimed to be from Charles's company's disciplinary office. "Mrs. Pierce, we'd like to verify the source of the information you mentioned in your public video."His voice was calm and professional.I didn't say yes right away. "Please send me your office phone number, name, and employee ID. I have to verify it before I get back to you."There was a brief pause. Then he said, "Sure."After hanging up, I sent the info to Anna.She checked it out and confirmed it was legit.At three in the afternoon, I took the documents to Charles's office.I'd been to that building many times before.Back then, I'd drop off his files, his meds, and his clean clothes.The security guard recognized me, and when he saw me, he looked a little awkward.I signed in, walked in, and headed upstairs.The two people who greeted me were both very polite.They didn't ask about any relationship drama. They only asked about the documents.I laid out the court judgment, transfer records, hotel bookings, gift receipts, and the project approval forms that Charles and Kinsley had worked on together."All of these have their sources noted. I can provide the originals and digital copies as needed," I said.When the older guy flipped through Kinsley's job transfer records, he frowned a little. "She was transferred three times in her first year?""That's all the public information I could find. I don't have access to the internal procedures."The other one asked, "Do you think Charles was involved in any favoritism or maybe kickbacks?"I didn't go along with that. "I'm not here to judge. I'm here to hand over the documents."They looked up at me.The indifference in their eyes faded a bit.I knew I'd said the right thing.In my previous life, I was always desperate to prove Charles was a jerk and Kinsley was a bitch. But all people ever saw was my anger.This time, I only provided the evidence.When I walked out of the office, Charles was waiting for me in the lobby.He'd clearly rushed back after getting the news. There was still sweat on his forehead."Julia," he called out.I stopped.People were coming and going in the lobby.He lowered his voice. "Why are you here?""To cooperate with the investigation," I replied."Do you realize what you're doing? You're going to destroy me."I looked at him. "Did I write that court judgment?"He choked, unable to respond. "That's family drama.""And the job transfers are family drama, too?"His eyes flashed with panic.But he slipped right back into that weary act. "Julia, let's talk.""Only if my lawyer's here," I said."You won't talk to me alone now?""That's right."His face darkened. "You didn't use to be like this."I smiled, "I used to be too soft."

Chapter 8