👉 Previous Decision: Marcus was publicly confronted mid-routine and forced to retreat.
The footage of Marcus Kincaid’s stammering retreat from the Paramount soundstage played on a loop across every entertainment news channel. The public spectacle quickly escalated the legal and ethical scrutiny. The LA Superior Court Probate Division, already reviewing the new evidence, moved swiftly.
The very next day, Judge Evelyn Vance convened an emergency hearing. Arthur and Samuel Ellis were present. Marcus Kincaid, however, was represented solely by his high-priced legal team, citing “prior commitments” to avoid direct appearance.
Judge Vance, a no-nonsense figure with sharp eyes, presided over the session. She reviewed the 1998 option contract, Chloe’s sworn statement, and the preliminary findings from Detective Ruiz’s investigation.
“Given the compelling and undisputed evidence of the expired 1998 option contract, which forms the basis of Mr. Kincaid’s primary claim, and the credible allegations of undue influence over a county official,” Judge Vance declared, her voice firm, “this court finds sufficient grounds to intervene.”
She struck her gavel. “Effective immediately, the freeze order on the estate of Beatrice Delacroix is hereby lifted. Furthermore, a permanent injunction is issued against Marcus Kincaid, prohibiting him from asserting any current or future development rights based on the aforementioned 1998 agreement.”
A quiet wave of relief washed over me. Samuel Ellis squeezed my arm, a rare smile gracing his lips. Marcus’s primary weapon, his claim to the estate, was now utterly disarmed.
The judge continued, addressing the second major issue. “Regarding the allegations against Probate Examiner Harold Hobbs, this court has been informed by the County Ethics Commission that Mr. Hobbs has been suspended without pay, pending a full investigation into allegations of coercion and improper conduct.”
The public exposure, fueled by Chloe’s courage and the undeniable contract, had brought swift justice. Marcus’s attempt to manipulate the system had spectacularly backfired, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. The path to securing Beatrice’s legacy was finally clear.
➡️ Read CHAPTER 11A to continue the story
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