Chapter 25 - The Civil Case
Claire filed for divorce.
She also sued Michael for the stolen funds and fraudulent use of her identity.
Vanessa’s family filed a separate civil claim.
Several investors joined.
The court froze Michael’s remaining assets.
There were few.
The apartment furniture was rented.
The luxury car was leased.
The expensive watch was purchased on credit.
Michael’s life had been built almost entirely through borrowed appearances.
The court awarded Claire control of the marital home and protection from Michael’s creditors where legally possible.
The stolen wedding money was partially recovered from the venue after contracts were canceled.
Vanessa’s family recovered some deposits.
The diamond ring was returned to the jeweler as part of the fraud investigation.
The public spectacle ended.
The paperwork began.
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Claire discovered that rebuilding a life was quieter than exposing a lie.
But it required greater strength.
