Chapter 286 Shameless Ernest
News of Nathaniel and Cecilia's divorce trial was exceptionally popular online. Various major media reporters were stationed outside the courthouse, eager for a firsthand scoop.
In the courtroom, after composing herself, Vivian presented the marriage dissolution documents to the judge. She then questioned Nathaniel: “Mr. Rainsworth, my client has been married to you for three years. Have you ever been intimate with her?”
Nathaniel frowned slightly. “Yes.”
“Mr. Rainsworth, after the marriage, did you deliberately give my client the cold shoulder?” Vivian asked.
Nathaniel looked at Cecilia, who stood beside Vivian. Without hesitation, he replied, “Yes.”
Vivian then produced photos of Nathaniel and Stella at a bar. “Mr. Rainsworth, these photos show you've been out every night since your first love, Stella, returned, haven't you?” She was well-prepared; even against Ernest, she wouldn't let her friend lose. While unsure if Nathaniel spent nights with Stella, she implied it, letting the court draw its own conclusions.
Nathaniel replied, “Yes.”
Vivian, surprised by his easy admissions, continued: “My client and you were in a marriage alliance. After her father's death, you didn't receive the agreed-upon assets. Frustrated, you harmed my client physically and emotionally and secretly suppressed, then acquired, Smith Corporation. Is that correct?”
“Indeed.” Nathaniel's gaze remained fixed on Cecilia. He admitted his wrongdoing. Cecilia, he implied, wasn't responsible for her mother and brother's mistakes.
“Mr. Rainsworth, my client has been separated from you for over five years, hasn't she?”
Nathaniel paused before replying, “Yes.”
Vivian, having asked all she needed, said, “Your Honor, I've made my case. Nathaniel and my client's marriage lacked emotional foundation. His actions were reprehensible, making him unfit to be her husband. The submitted documents include years of records showing my client, Cecilia, suffered from major depression, worsening hearing problems, and other issues after her marriage.”
Vivian, slightly perspiring, returned to Cecilia's side. She expected Ernest to lose, but he remained remarkably calm. During the presentation of evidence, he stepped forward. “Your Honor, the evidence presented pertains to events five years ago. It doesn't prove a lack of emotional foundation or that my clients have been separated for five years.”
He then presented evidence. “This shows the relationship between Mr. Rainsworth and Ms. Smith over the past six months. The legal definition of separation likely doesn't include occasional stays at each other's homes, correct? Ms. Smith, you and my client have been intimate more than once during this period, haven't you?”
Cecilia's chest tightened. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at Nathaniel. Nathaniel hadn't anticipated Ernest's directness. He coughed, and Ernest ceased his questioning.