Chapter 10 - The Gavel Falls
The silence that followed the heavy thud of the judge's gavel was thick enough to cut with a knife.
Judge Thomas folded his hands over the manila folder on his desk, his weary eyes sweeping slowly across the room before resting on the federal prosecutor.
"Counsel," the judge said coolly. "Your office has presented circumstantial evidence regarding Mr. Romano’s corporate structures and pending indictments. However, you have provided zero legal grounds to invalidate a marriage license executed under state and federal waiver protocols this morning, nor have you demonstrated that Mrs. Romano is an unfit guardian or an unwilling participant in this union."
The prosecutor’s face tightened with frustration. "Your Honor, we are talking about a major syndicate leader—"
"You can address Mr. Romano's alleged syndicate activities in federal court across the street," Judge Thomas interrupted flatly. "This is family court. The standard here is the best interest of the child. Based on the documentation provided, Mr. Romano’s estate offers a stable, high-resource environment, and Mrs. Romano has demonstrated full legal competence and devotion to her sibling."
Uncle Richard let out a loud, sputtering gasp of disbelief. "You can't be serious! You're handing a kid over to a mobster's house!"
"Mr. Miller, if you interrupt this court one more time, I will have you removed and held in contempt," Judge Thomas warned, his voice like ice. He picked up his pen, signed the bottom of the guardianship decree with a sharp, decisive stroke, and stamped it with the official court seal.
"Guardianship of Lily Miller is hereby granted jointly to Harper Romano and Vincent Romano," the judge declared. He looked down at us over his half-moon glasses. "Case closed. Next matter on the docket."
Before Richard could scream another protest, two court bailiffs stepped up on either side of him, gently but firmly guiding him backward toward the gallery doors.
Special Agent Vance let out a slow, heavy breath, shook his head, and looked at Vincent. "You’ve got a very persuasive wife, Vincent. But this doesn't change what’s waiting for you at the federal building."
"I keep my appointments, Agent," Vincent replied smoothly, his hand sliding back down to rest securely at the small of Harper’s back.
The federal agents turned and walked out of the courtroom, their heavy boots echoing against the marble floor.
Vincent looked down at Harper, his gray eyes burning with an intense, unreadable fire that she had never seen before.
"You shouldn't have done that," Vincent murmured low, his voice rough. "You tied your name to a sinking ship in front of a federal judge."
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"You needed a shield," Harper replied, her voice steady as she met his gaze, the platinum ring catching the harsh courtroom light. "And I needed a husband. Looks like we both got what we paid for."
Before Vincent could answer, the heavy wooden doors at the back of the courtroom swung open again, and a panicked social worker rushed inside, holding a clipboard and shouting my name across the room.
