“Yes.”
I almost laughed.
“Thank you.”
“You asked.”
“Did it damage the case?”
“Not significantly. It may support claims that you intended emotional harm, but the documents were truthful and lawfully obtained.”
“Vanessa screamed.”
“I heard.”
“I thought I would feel better.”
Miriam sat opposite me.
“You wanted vindication.”
“Yes.”
“You received catastrophe.”
“I didn’t cause all of it.”
“No.”
“But I timed the box.”
“Yes.”
“I wanted everyone watching.”
“Yes.”
She did not soften it.
That was why I trusted her.
“What happens now?” I asked.
“The financial warrants are active. Your share-transfer challenge will be coordinated with the federal investigation. Adrian’s prior marriage is confirmed. Vanessa’s attempted marriage is invalid unless the earlier marriage is dissolved and they marry later.”
“She won’t.”
“You do not know.”
“I know her.”
“You knew the person she was with you. Public humiliation may change people in unpredictable ways.”
My phone rang again.
Vanessa.
I watched the screen.
Miriam nodded toward it.
“You may need to speak eventually.”
“Not tonight.”
“Agreed.”
I turned the phone off.
