Chapter 4 - The Exposure of Paige
By twelve-thirty, the hallway outside Courtroom Four was packed with reporters, photographers, and curious onlookers. The story had already broken online. The Fairfax Business Journal had published a breaking news alert: “Hollis Transit Shock: Founder Adrian Hollis Stripped of Power Amid Allegations of Massive Asset Concealment.”
Inside a private conference room down the hall, Adrian was pacing like a caged beast.
"We have to fight this, Russell!" Adrian yelled, slamming his hand against the wall. "There must be a loophole! The prenup! What about the post-incorporation amendments?"
"There are no loopholes, Adrian," Russell Crane said, his voice flat and exhausted. "Your father notched the original filings. You altered the digital registry afterward, which is a state felony if proven to be done with intent to defraud. If we push this to trial, the forensic audit will reveal that you’ve been using Lane Logistics funds to pay for your personal lifestyle while claiming them as corporate expenses under your name. You’re looking at tax evasion, corporate theft, and fraud."
Paige sat in the corner, her face red from crying. "Adrian, my career is over. If the board finds out I helped you draft those press releases claiming you were the sole founder... I could be named as a co-conspirator!"
"You?" Adrian spun on her, his eyes wild. "You’re worried about your career? I’m about to lose my house, my cars, my company! Everything!"
"It was never your company, Adrian," Paige spat, her voice suddenly turning sharp and venomous. "You lied to me! You told me you were a billionaire! You told me your wife was a boring, dependent drag who was holding you back! If I had known you were just a glorified employee living off her family’s money, I would have never looked twice at you!"
Adrian froze, staring at the woman he had abandoned his family for. The sweet, supportive Paige who had smiled so brightly beside him in court was gone. In her place was a cold, calculating opportunist who saw her ticket to high society evaporating.
"Paige..." Adrian whispered. "How can you say that? I loved you."
"I have a brand to protect, Adrian," Paige said, standing up and grabbing her designer bag. She looked at Russell. "Mr. Crane, I am no longer associated with Mr. Hollis. Any future communications regarding my employment or my personal relationship with him should go through my personal attorney."
Without looking back at Adrian, she pushed the door open and walked out, immediately being swarmed by flashbulbs as she made her exit.
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Adrian watched her go, a sickening feeling of emptiness settling in his gut. He had traded twelve years of marriage, a loyal wife, and his twin sons for a woman who didn't even know his real financial worth.
The door opened again, and a court officer looked in. "Mr. Hollis, Mr. Crane. The judge is back on the bench. Court is in session."
