CHAPTER 44: Summary Judgment

Two weeks of bedrest ended with another ultrasound.

Dr. Patel examined me carefully, checking blood flow, placenta position, Luna's growth.

"Everything looks stable," she finally said. "The abruption hasn't progressed. Luna is thriving."

"Can I get up?" I asked hopefully.

"Modified activity. No heavy lifting. No stress. But yes, you can resume normal daily activities. Carefully."

Alexander exhaled in relief. "Thank God."

"However," Dr. Patel continued, "I want you avoiding the courthouse. No trial attendance. The stress could trigger another episode."

"But the trial starts in six weeks—"

"Then you'll attend via video if absolutely necessary. But preferably, you stay home and rest."

I wanted to argue. But Luna kicked, reminding me of priorities.

"Okay," I agreed. "Home. Rest. Got it."

---

Patricia called that afternoon with news.

"We have a hearing date for summary judgment. Two weeks from now. If we win, the case is dismissed. No trial."

"If we lose?" Alexander asked.

"We go to trial as planned. But Bella, the good news is you won't have to testify in person either way. We can submit a video deposition given your medical restrictions."

"What are our chances?" I asked. "Of winning summary judgment?"

"With that leaked video? With the harassment victims' testimonies? With evidence of James's embezzlement?" Patricia paused. "I'd say 70%. Maybe 75%."

"That's not 100%."

"Nothing in law is 100%. But we have a strong case. Margaret Chen knows it too. She's been trying to negotiate a settlement."

Alexander's eyes narrowed. "What kind of settlement?"

"James drops the lawsuit. You reinstate him at the company with a demotion and salary cut. No admission of wrongdoing from either side."

"Absolutely not."

"That was my response. But it shows they're nervous. They wouldn't be offering settlement if they thought they could win."

After she hung up, I looked at Alexander. "Why won't you settle? Even a bad settlement means this is over."

"Because settling means James learns nothing. He faces no consequences. He gets away with threatening you, attacking our family, causing your medical emergency." His voice was hard. "I won't reward that behavior."

"Even if going to trial risks losing everything?"

"Even then. Some principles are worth fighting for."

---

The summary judgment hearing was held in Judge Martha Rodriguez's chambers—a book-lined office that smelled of old leather and coffee.

We attended via video call. Patricia was there in person with her team. Margaret Chen sat across with James beside her.

I could see James on the screen. He looked thinner. Tired. Angry.

"Your Honor," Patricia began, "the evidence is overwhelming. Mr. James Sterling has no viable claim for wrongful termination. We have documented proof of sexual harassment, embezzlement, and insubordination. Furthermore, his public statements—including the leaked video—demonstrate a pattern of dishonesty and malice."

She played clips. The bar video. His I*******m posts. Witness statements from Sarah, Michelle, and Diane.

James's face darkened with each piece of evidence.

Margaret Chen stood. "Your Honor, my client admits he's made mistakes in how he's expressed his pain. But pain doesn't negate his valid claims. He was terminated without proper process. He was publicly humiliated. And his father did choose a romantic relationship over his son."

"His father chose not to enable criminal behavior," Patricia countered. "There's a difference."

Judge Rodriguez held up a hand. "I've reviewed all submitted materials. Ms. Chen, your client's behavior—both before and after termination—is deeply troubling. The harassment complaints alone justify dismissal."

"Those complaints were never formally filed—"

"Because the victims were afraid of retaliation. Which, given Mr. Sterling's subsequent behavior toward Ms. Martinez, seems like a reasonable fear."

Margaret Chen's jaw tightened.

"Furthermore," the judge continued, "the leaked video shows Mr. Sterling making demonstrably false claims about Ms. Martinez's pregnancy. Claims that are not only cruel but potentially defamatory."

"He was intoxicated, Your Honor. Not thinking clearly—"

"Intoxication is not a defense. It's an explanation, not an excuse." Judge Rodriguez looked directly at James through the video screen. "Mr. Sterling, do you have anything to say?"

James leaned forward. "I have plenty to say. My father destroyed my life because he couldn't control his lust for a woman half his age. He fired me, disinherited me, and turned my family against me. And now he's trying to erase me completely. That's not justice. That's revenge."

"Is it revenge to terminate an employee who sexually harassed subordinates?" the judge asked.

"Those women were lying—"

"Three separate women. With consistent stories. Corroborated by witnesses." Judge Rodriguez's voice was sharp. "Mr. Sterling, I've been on the bench for twenty years. I know when someone is lying. And right now, the only person in this room lying is you."

The silence was deafening.

"Motion for summary judgment is granted," Judge Rodriguez said. "The case is dismissed with prejudice. Mr. James Sterling, you are ordered to pay court costs and attorney fees for the defendant. You are also forbidden from making any further public statements about Ms. Martinez or her pregnancy. Violation will result in contempt charges."

Margaret Chen stood. "Your Honor, we intend to appeal—"

"You may appeal. But I'm confident the appellate court will uphold this decision. Mr. Sterling's case is without merit. And frankly, his behavior throughout these proceedings has been reprehensible." She looked at James. "You need help, young man. Professional help. I hope you seek it."

The screen went black.

We'd won.

No trial. No more depositions. No more legal battles.

It was over.

I burst into tears. Relief. Joy. Exhaustion.

Alexander pulled me close. "It's over. It's finally over."

"We won," I sobbed. "We actually won."

Victoria, watching with us, was crying too. "Hell yes, you won. Patricia just destroyed them."

Catherine appeared in the doorway. "I heard. Congratulations."

For a moment, we just held each other. Family. Victorious. Together.

Then my phone buzzed.

A text from an unknown number.

"You think you've won? This isn't over. Not even close. -J"

I showed Alexander.

His face darkened. "He's violating the judge's order. Forward that to Patricia. Now."

"He's not going to stop, is he?" I said quietly.

"Not until he's forced to. But he just broke a court order. That has consequences."

"What kind of consequences?"

"Jail time. If he contacts you again, the judge can hold him in contempt. Lock him up."

Part of me felt vindicated. Another part felt sad.

James was destroying himself. And there was nothing anyone could do to stop him.

"Come on," Alexander said, guiding me to the couch. "Sit. Rest. Let me handle this."

As he called Patricia about the text, I touched my belly.

"We won, Luna," I whispered. "The lawsuit is over. You're safe now."

She kicked in response.

Safe.

For the first time in months, we were actually safe.

The legal battle was over. James couldn't hurt us anymore.

Or so I thought.