The Ex-Wife’s Billion Dollar Comeback Novel

---- Chapter 174: Preliminary Hearing ~ Soraya ~ The judge turned to Jacob and Soraya's party, asking their counsels, "Respondents, how do you wish to proceed at this preliminary stage?" Harold rose and adjusted his notes. "Your Honor, the respondents fully intend to defend the adoption. We wish to clarify the circumstances under which the adoption was finalized." He looked briefly at Jacob and Soraya before continuing. "At the time the adoption was completed, Ms. Sienna Ashford, Angela's biological mother, did not identify the biological father.

In fact, before giving birth to Angela, Miss Ashford led Mr. Jacob Steel to believe, through falsified information, that he was Angela's father. The truth that Mr. Steel was not the father only came to light after more than two years of raising the child as his own." Harold's voice remained calm but firm. "At no point did Mr. Steel act improperly or in bad faith. He has provided Angela with love, stability, and care consistent with the best interests of the child.

The respondents ask the court to consider these facts when evaluating the petition." Martin stepped forward to add, "Your Honor, we also note that Angela has developed strong familial bonds with Mr. Steel and Mrs. Soraya Steel. The adoption was completed according to legal procedures, and all representations made to Mr. Steel were based on what he was told by Ms. Ashford." "Angela has been nurtured as a Steel, and the respondents respectfully request that the court recognize the stability and continuity that has been provided to her in evaluating this ---- petition," Martin added.

The proceedings continued with the review of all documents and the initial report from social services at the time of Angela' s adoption. Then, all primary parties were brought to the stand and questioned. Jacob described the events that convinced him he was Angela's biological father at first. Written testimonies were presented, including that of the lab technician whom Sienna had paid to fake the first DNA test. When Jacob was cross-examined, Edmund Cross raised important points. Edmund: "Mr.

Steel, did you take any steps to verify the authenticity of the lab results independently?" Jacob: "| had decided on which facility to take the paternity test. Samples of Sienna's blood were taken, and | personally retrieved the results a week later. | had no reason to question the results." Edmund: "You never thought of secretly doing a paternity test, not even after Angela was born?" Jacob: "I trusted Sienna, and | loved Angela.

At that time, | accepted the first test as the truth." Edmund: "But years later, you found out that Angela is not your biological daughter?" Jacob: "Yes." Edmund: "What brought about this discovery?" Jacob shared how, after she and Sienna separated, the latter took Angela for a trip. "Sienna abandoned Angela with a friend of hers in Fairmont. When | found her, it led to a heated confrontation with Sienna, where she admitted Angela was never my daughter. So, | should stop caring." ---- Damien's other lawyer, Brian, raised, "Objection, Your Honor, hearsay." The judge turned to Jacob.

"Sustained in part. Mr. Steel, you may testify only to what you personally observed or experienced, not what Sienna allegedly said outside of court." From her seat, Soraya watched as her husband's jaw tightened. She was really worried he was losing his patience. Yet Jacob answered, "Understood." Edmund: "So, you found out that Angela was not your daughter. Yet why did you proceed with the adoption before confirming paternity? Were you aware of any potential legal tisks in adopting Angela without verified biological parentage?

Did anyone advise you about possible consequences if the biological father came forward later?" Martin: "Objection, Your Honor. Counsel is leading and asking multiple compound questions at once." Judge Ramirez: "Sustained. Mr. Cross, please rephrase your questions one at a time." After Damien's uncle rephrased his question, Jacob replied, " Sienna said she never knew who Angela's father was. | adopted Angela because | love her. She is my daughter regardless of her DNA.

How could | just abandon a child whom | have raised for more than two years?" Edmund: "So you love Angela." Jacob: "Yes!" Edmund: "You love her enough to keep her paternity a secret!" Harold: "Objection, Your Honor! Counsel's questions are leading and argumentative!" The judge sighed and turned to Edmund Cross. "Sustained.

Counsel, rephrase the question to call for factual testimony ---- only." Edmund rephrased, and Jacob answered firmly, "Because | loved her and | wanted to give my daughter a stable home." Edmund: "Did you consider how your actions might affect the biological father's rights, or the possibility that the truth could come out years later?" Jacob: "I tried to search for Angela's real father, the best | could, but to no avail. So, | proceeded with the adoption. | strongly believed it was best for Angela." "Your Honor," Edmund's gaze turned to the judge.

"We move to admit this document as Exhibit B-a testimony from Blackthorn & Co. A previous investigator confirmed how Mr. Steel attempted to search for Angela's father through a private investigation agency." In her seat, Soraya frowned. She had a bad feeling about where Damien's attorneys were leaning. Yes, Soraya and Jacob were aware of this evidence, and they saw nothing wrong with it. The evidence was admitted, but what Edmund Cross said next put them on their toes. Edmund: "Mr. Steel, kindly read the statement from the Pl.

When exactly did you avail yourself of their service?" Jacob: "March 1, 2023." Edmund: "When did you end the investigation?" Jacob: "March 12, 2023." Edmund: "Mr. Steel, you're a man of considerable means and resources. Yet, you claim you searched for Angela's biological father for just twelve days. In your own words, you did the best you could. Does this really reflect the best effort a man of your status could make?" ---- Harold: "Objection, Your Honor. Leading and calls for speculation." The judge agreed with Harold, but Soraya saw how the question raised suspicion.

In fact, Judge Ramirez furrowed his brows; his gaze lingered on Jacob longer than it should. Up next, Edmund made Jacob discuss his efforts in finding Damien. Bottom line: the truth made Jacob look like he hadn't really tried hard enough. However, the initial discussions in court were only the beginning. The most gut-wrenching moment came when Sienna was asked to take the stand, and the truths were twisted far beyond what Soraya and Jacob had ever imagined. While under oath, Sienna cried and claimed, "The truth is, Jacob paid me to keep silent about Angela's father.

He knew about Damien before the adoption was ever finalized." "| have proof. | still have records of the money Jacob sent me." Soraya, "!!!"