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My Two Billionaire Husbands: A Plan for Revenge-Chapter 285: Judgment Day
Chapter 285: Judgment Day
Judge Coney Keagan had reviewed every detail of Cammy’s case with sharp eyes and a heavy heart.
Upon learning of Cammy’s delicate pregnancy and her ongoing bedrest, the judge exercised compassion, allowing her to remain in the hospital for the duration of the trial—participating via live video feed instead of appearing in court physically.
Cross Tech, under Greg’s leadership, immediately stepped in to sponsor high-grade cameras, audio systems, and a massive screen in the courtroom. This ensured that Cammy could see and hear every second of the proceedings from her hospital room—and that the court could witness her testimony in real-time.
Meanwhile, Duncan Veston, despite the grave charges against him, was granted bail while awaiting trial. His wealth and influence gave him temporary freedom—but not control. That, he was quickly losing.
As Grace predicted, one by one, the baseless charges that Duncan’s team had hurled at Cammy were struck down.
Each claim fell apart under scrutiny, especially after it was revealed that Cammy’s former psychologist—a known friend of Monica—had been bribed by Duncan to exaggerate her condition. The truth unraveled like old fabric.
However, the diagnosis remained, but the exaggeration was somehow toned down.
Still, one charge remained: the count of kidnapping, stemming from the day Cammy disappeared with Dylan from the airport, faking their deaths. At that time, she was still legally married to Duncan. By law, it was considered parental abduction.
The trial revolved around that dark Chapter—Cammy’s fragile mental health and her desperate attempt to flee. Although the psychologist’s false testimony was thrown out, Cammy’s clinical depression diagnosis still stood.
A court-appointed, independent psychiatrist reassessed her condition, revising it from "severe" to "mild," validating her struggles but also reaffirming her current lucidity.
In light of the new findings, Judge Keagan ruled that Cammy’s conservatorship would not yet be lifted, but it would be transferred—to Greg, her now legal husband, who had consistently proven to be her fiercest protector and closest anchor.
The trial stretched for two long months, each day filled with uncertainty, emotion, and quiet resilience. Now, the only thing left... was the verdict.
*********
On the day of judgment, the morning session was reserved for Ric Rossi’s hearing. It was handled by Judge Keagan, too, since the two cases were related to each other.
Cammy’s was scheduled for the afternoon. She was 24 weeks pregnant now, her baby bump visible beneath the soft hospital gown. Her doctors, satisfied with her progress, had allowed her an hour of daily walking and limited standing—but no stress. Not today.
She sat on her hospital bed, the tension nearly unbearable. Greg paced silently nearby while the IT team adjusted cameras, tested signals, and prepped the setup for the livestream. They were waiting for the court to call in.
Then suddenly—the door burst open, slamming against the wall.
"Cammy!" a voice thundered through the room.
Cammy startled but instantly brightened. Ric stood at the door, breathless, wide-eyed, and unmistakably free.
"Oh my God, Ric!" she gasped as he rushed toward her and wrapped her in a tight embrace. She clung to him, almost in disbelief. "How are you? Did they treat you well inside?"
He pulled back, his face aged by weeks of confinement—his once-smooth skin now shadowed by a rough beard, his hair longer and wild despite the sharp, tailored suit he wore.
"I’m fine now. Just being here... seeing you? That’s all I needed." His eyes dropped to her belly. His expression softened. "May I?"
Cammy nodded, moved by the tenderness in his voice.
Ric reached out, gently placing his hand on her belly. Just then—a tiny kick thumped against his palm.
"Whoa!" he exclaimed, eyes wide with amazement. "Was that a kick?!"
Cammy laughed. "Yes. I think the baby likes you."
Ric grinned, speaking softly to her bump. "You like me, huh? That’s good. You could’ve been my baby, you know. And I could’ve been your Daddy."
A tense silence followed.
"Ahem, ahem..." Greg cleared his throat loudly, stepping forward. It was a polite but clear reminder that Cammy was no longer alone in her journey.
Ric blinked, finally looking up—and realizing who else was in the room: Greg, Ethan, Ellie, Harry, and Eve all watching him.
Ric gave a sheepish chuckle. "Sorry, didn’t see you there."
Greg raised an eyebrow but extended his hand. "We noticed. Welcome back, Ric."
They shook hands, the air thick with unspoken history.
"Congratulations on your release," Greg added. "The judge made the right call."
Ric nodded. "Thank you. And thank you for everything you did. Don’t deny it—I know you pulled strings to help me. I’m sorry for the mess I caused."
Greg gave a faint smile. "Just do better. That’s all anyone can ask."
Ellie stepped forward, wrapping Ric in a hug. "Welcome back to the outside world."
Ric returned the hug gratefully. "It’s good to be back. I’ll be doing community service instead of prison time and need to pay a huge fine—feeding orphanages, cooking for the homeless, working weekends in poor neighborhoods. It’s hard work, but it feels right. It feels... redemptive."
Cammy nodded with quiet admiration. "That sounds like something you were meant to do."
Before anyone could speak further, Ethan’s phone rang. He answered quickly, and his expression turned serious.
"That was the Cross Tech court team," he announced. "The trial’s about to begin. We need to go live—now."
Everyone in the room froze for a moment, then moved with purpose. The IT team activated the connection. Greg and Ric each took a seat on either side of Cammy, holding her hands. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and prepared herself.
This was it.
The verdict was coming.
And the entire room braced itself for the weight of whatever was about to be spoken on the other side of the screen.
The large monitor flickered once... then twice... before stabilizing. The courtroom came into full view—its high ceilings, the quiet murmur of the attendees, and the imposing bench at the front.
Then, Judge Coney Keagan appeared on screen, dignified in her black robe, her sharp but kind eyes landing directly on Cammy.
The room in the hospital fell completely silent.
Judge Keagan leaned forward, her voice calm yet commanding.
"Ms. Watson... or shall I say, Mrs. Cross now?" she said with a small, knowing smile.
Cammy smiled nervously and nodded. "Yes, Your Honor. I—I’m Cammy Cross now."
The judge gave a subtle nod. "It’s good to see you looking better. How are you feeling today?"
Cammy swallowed the tightness in her throat and answered, "I’m doing well, thank you. No more bleeding or complications, and the baby is healthy. If all goes well, I’ll be discharged next week."
A warm light flickered in the judge’s usually impassive expression. "That’s very good news. I’m glad to hear that—for both you and the child." She paused, scanning her notes, then looked back at the screen, her expression turning more serious.
"Now..." she began, her voice dropping into a deeper, more formal tone.
"...are you ready to hear the verdict?"
Cammy felt Greg’s grip tighten around her hand. On her other side, Ric remained still, eyes locked on the screen. Her heart thundered in her chest, breath catching. Every second felt like an eternity.
She straightened her back, hands trembling slightly, and looked up at the screen.
"Yes, Your Honor. I’m ready."
Judge Keagan gave a solemn nod, then opened a folder in front of her.
She glanced down, eyes scanning the first page.
And then—silence.
"...as I was saying," she continued, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade, "this court has carefully reviewed all the facts surrounding Mrs. Cammy Cross’s case."
Judge Keagan’s eyes met Cammy’s through the camera—steady, solemn, but not without compassion.
"It is evident to this court that the defendant, Mrs. Cross, was subjected to sustained verbal and emotional abuse by her former husband, Mr. Duncan Veston.
Evidence from both psychological evaluations and witness testimonies confirmed the toxic nature of the relationship, the control exerted over her even after their separation, and the manipulation she endured."
Everyone held their breath.
"The trauma caused by Mr. Veston was not only emotional—it was physical. The premature birth of your twins, Mrs. Cross, was a direct result of the stress and fear inflicted upon you.
Additionally, the emotional shock from discovering your husband’s betrayal clouded your judgment and led you to commit an act this court cannot fully excuse: taking your son, Dylan, without legal consent and faking both of your deaths."
Cammy’s eyes welled with tears, her chest heaving. She tried to breathe, but her lungs refused to cooperate.
Judge Keagan continued, her tone measured but resolute.
"While this court empathizes deeply with your suffering, and while we recognize that you were not in a stable mental state at the time, we cannot overlook the law. What you did—no matter how broken you were—was still a crime."
A silence fell so heavy, it was suffocating.
"Therefore, this court rules that Mrs. Cammy Cross shall not serve time in prison..."
Gasps broke through the room.
Cammy’s lips trembled as her eyes widened.
"...but will instead fulfill a sentence of two years of community service, to be carried out at St. Anne’s Home for Orphaned Children. On top of that, she will be on strict house arrest for the next two years. Places she can visit are only her home, hospital, and the orphanage, but other places, such as public places, can be arranged if needed."
Cammy’s shoulders sagged in visible relief, though her tears flowed freely.
"She will report for duty five days a week, Monday to Friday, without salary or compensation. She will work directly with the children and assist in daily operations, under supervision.
In addition, she is ordered to pay fines to the court for obstruction of legal proceedings and falsifying records."
The judge paused, her voice softening as she looked at Cammy again.
"This is not a punishment, Mrs. Cross. This is a chance to rebuild, to give back, and to heal in a place where your compassion and resilience can be used for something greater. The law may hold you accountable, but it will not break you."
Cammy bowed her head, sobbing silently—overwhelmed not by the burden of service, but by the mercy and understanding the judge had shown her.
Greg kissed the top of her hand.
Ric whispered, "You did it. You’re free, Cam."
The judge raised her gavel.
"This court is adjourned."