Page 148 of His Forced Bride

"These photos were taken over the past several weeks," the lawyer continues.

"They show a young woman who's clearly suffering, clearly isolated from her family and support system. Mrs. Mirova is simply asking this court to restore her daughter's freedom and return control of her business assets to someone who has her best interests at heart."

The judge studies the photographs with a furrowed brow and narrowed eyes.

I can see him processing what appears to be evidence of harm, weighing it against the legal complexities of interfering in a marriage between adults.

"Your Honor," my own attorney begins, but Viktoria's lawyer isn't finished.

"Furthermore, we have testimony from employees of the defendant who can attest to Mrs. Gravitch's isolation and distress. People who've witnessed her confinement firsthand."

Of course she does.

The same employees who've been feeding her information for months are now prepared to lie under oath about Inessa's treatment.

I make a mental note to deal with that betrayal personally once this circus ends.

The judge turns to Inessa.

"Mrs. Gravitch, you're free to speak for yourself. Are you being held against your will?"

The courtroom falls silent.

This is the moment Viktoria has orchestrated, the scene she's been planning since she returned to the city.

Her daughter, faced with a direct question from a judge, with cameras rolling and reporters hanging on every word.

Inessa stands slowly, and her posture is stiff, shoulders squared.

"No, Your Honor. I am not."

"Then you're free to leave your husband's home at any time?"

"I am free to make my own choices about my life and my marriage."

It's a careful answer, technically truthful without acknowledging the complexities of our situation.

But Viktoria's attorney pounces on the ambiguity immediately.

"Your Honor, with respect, that's exactly what we'd expect her to say if she's been threatened or coerced. Stockholm syndrome is well-documented in cases of prolonged captivity."

The judge frowns, clearly uncomfortable in this situation.

His eyes flick toward Viktoria and I see a wash of distaste before he turns back to Inessa.

"Mrs. Gravitch, I need you to be completely honest with this court. Has your husband or anyone acting on his behalf threatened you or your safety if you were to leave?"

I watch Inessa process the question, understanding that her answer will determine not just the outcome of this hearing, but possibly the future of our marriage.

If she admits to feeling threatened, the judge will likely grant Viktoria's petition immediately.

If she denies it too strongly, she risks appearing coached or coerced.

"My husband has protected me from people who want to harm me," she says finally.

"Including my mother."

Murmurs ripple through the courtroom.