Chapter 1 - The True Founder
I gently squeezed Emmett’s hand and looked directly at the judge.
"The boys are here because they asked to speak with you privately, Your Honor."
Judge Lawson considered this for a moment before nodding slowly.
"We will address the children in my chambers shortly, but first, I need to review these corporate ownership records."
She opened the heavy black binder submitted by Barrett’s legal team.
She turned past the financial summaries and went straight to the original articles of incorporation.
The courtroom remained perfectly silent as her eyes scanned the yellowed legal document.
Judge Lawson slowly lowered her reading glasses and stared directly at my husband.
"Mr. O'Connell, this document clearly states that you are merely a salaried employee."
Barrett’s confident smile instantly vanished from his handsome face.
"Excuse me?" Barrett stammered, looking completely bewildered.
Judge Lawson held up the original ownership certificate for the entire courtroom to see.
"I asked why your wife, Loretta, is listed as the sole proprietor and sole founding investor of this entire logistics empire."
Every single drop of color violently drained from Barrett’s face.
He whipped his head around to glare furiously at his lead attorney.
Douglas Croft did not look panicked at all.
Douglas calmly stood up and buttoned his expensive suit jacket.
"That original document is outdated, Your Honor," Douglas announced smoothly.
He pulled a fresh, crisp legal document from his leather briefcase and handed it to the bailiff.
"My client’s wife voluntarily signed a complete transfer of all corporate assets and intellectual property to Mr. O'Connell."
I stared at the paper in absolute shock.
"I never signed any transfer documents in my entire life," I said loudly.
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Douglas smiled a cold, calculating smile.
"That is simply untrue, Mrs. O'Connell, because we brought the notary public who personally witnessed you sign it yesterday afternoon."
