Chapter 28
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The atmosphere in the sterile, windowless deposition room was thick with tension. Julian sat beside Marcus at a long wooden table, dressed in a sharp navy suit, projecting an aura of quiet, exhausted defeat. Across the table sat Victoria, looking impeccably glamorous in a designer dress, flanked by two highly aggressive, incredibly expensive litigators from Harrison and Associates.
A court reporter sat at the head of the table, fingers hovering over her stenography machine, ready to document every word of the legal bloodbath.
"Let the record reflect that we are proceeding with the deposition of Victoria Vance," Marcus stated formally, adjusting his microphone.
Victoria's lead attorney, a ruthless man named Caldwell, sneered at Julian. "My client is prepared to answer your questions, Mr. Sterling. Though we maintain this entire procedure is a desperate stalling tactic by a father who knows he is unfit to parent."
Julian didn't flinch. He kept his eyes fixed on the blank legal pad in front of him, playing the role of the defeated man perfectly.
"Mrs. Vance," Marcus began, his tone deceptively mild. "In your initial affidavit, you claimed you require full custody of Lily because Mr. Vance provides an unstable, financially precarious environment. Is that correct?"
"Yes, it is," Victoria answered smoothly, dabbing her completely dry eyes with a tissue. "Julian's corporate career is in absolute ruins. He has been suspended from his own company. He cannot provide the stable, luxurious lifestyle that my daughter deserves."
"And you can provide this lifestyle?" Marcus asked, leaning forward slightly. "Despite the fact that your financial disclosures state you have been unemployed for the last three years and currently possess less than ten thousand dollars in liquid assets?"
"I have recently found my footing," Victoria replied vaguely, a confident smirk playing on her lips. "I have secured a modest living arrangement and I am actively seeking employment. I am more than capable of providing for Lily."
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"A modest living arrangement," Marcus repeated, looking down at his notes. "Are you currently paying rent for the multi-million dollar penthouse you occupy in the financial district?"
Victoria hesitated for a fraction of a second, glancing nervously at Caldwell. "The apartment is a generous loan from a close personal friend who wishes to help me get back on my feet."
