My Husband Called Me His Mistress on Livestream novel · Chapter 22 of 24

Chapter 22: Federal Court

Courtroom 14C in the federal building was bigger than 1204 and colder.

Every seat was full by 8:50.

Four hundred drivers came, and the room held two hundred, so the rest stood in the hall in their canvas jackets.

The steward sat in the front row with her arms folded.

The redhead was outside the doors, filming the line. She had a new channel name and no ring light.

Nick sat behind me. My father sat beside him, with his glasses on their cord.

Shelby sat at the back, in a plain navy dress, next to her own lawyer.

Brent walked in from a side door in a jail-issue tan jumpsuit.

He had no tie and no lawyer.

He carried a legal pad and a pen, and his head was up.

"All rise," the clerk said.

The judge was a thin man with a patient voice who looked as though he had seen every kind of liar and was still willing to be surprised.

"Mr. Pruden," he said. "You've chosen to represent yourself at this hearing."

"I have, Your Honor."

"You understand you're entitled to counsel, and that I've advised against this."

"I understand. I'd like to examine the witnesses myself."

"Proceed."

Brent turned toward the gallery.

"The government's case rests on a story," he said. "A story about a sick marriage, a jealous wife and a man who needed to be punished. I'd like to ask the main witness just a few questions. Ms. Stannard?"

I stood.

I walked to the witness box and put my hand on the book, and the clerk read me the oath.

Brent stepped up to the lectern.

"Mrs. Pruden," he began.

"Ms. Stannard," the judge said. "She's not your wife, Mr. Pruden. By your own admission."

A ripple ran through the room.

Brent's pen stopped on the pad.

"Ms. Stannard," he said. "You hid your family's wealth from me for nine years."

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