A murmur moved through the back row.
Marcus leaned toward Bennett.
Bennett did not look at him.
Judge Whitmore’s eyes rested on Marcus.
“Mr. Vale authorized removal of insurance for his pregnant spouse?”
Marcus stood before his attorney could stop him.
“Absolutely not. That was handled by HR.”
The word HR hung there like a body nobody wanted to claim.
Judge Whitmore tilted his head.
“HR removed your pregnant wife from medical coverage without your knowledge?”
Marcus’s jaw tightened.
“My companies employ over sixty thousand people, Your Honor. I can’t personally supervise every administrative action.”
“No,” my father said softly. “I imagine you delegate.”
Savannah shifted.
Her hand went to her stomach.
Just for a second.
Not protective.
Performative.
I wondered if anyone else saw it.
My father did.
He saw everything.
That was his gift and his curse.
Bennett stood again.
“Your Honor, with respect, these administrative issues are being exaggerated to paint Mr. Vale as neglectful. The reality is Mrs. Vale has refused generous settlement terms, rejected private medical accommodations, and escalated what should be a dignified dissolution into a public spectacle.”
