Chapter 407

Brody rose once more and strode to the center of the courtroom. He held two documents aloft, turning slightly to address the three judges directly since there was no jury present.

“Your Honors. On January third, Richard Maine was admitted to the hospital with a head injury inflicted by my client,” Brody began. “The following week, Mr. Maine filed assault charges against Ms. Lawson. That case concluded with my client’s exoneration when the court determined she had acted in self-defense.”

Brody turned toward Richard, who sat staring blankly ahead. The reality of his defeat finally settled into his features. The man who had once seemed so powerful now appeared diminished like a shadow of the intimidating figure who had dominated her life for years.

“I submit for the court’s consideration an affidavit from Mrs. Kim Minnie,” Brody continued, “Who has testified to witnessing Mr. Maine’s alcohol-fueled abuse of his wife. I also present the sworn testimony of Mrs. Yejin Ch