Twisted Ties of Love (Izabella Salotti and Brett) novel Chapter 172

The guy cheats on his wife and even tries to get her to give her child to his mistress?

Brett didn't seem flustered, knowing full well that Izabella would release the video.

Brett glanced at Izabella, amused, and said, "What can a video prove? It was just a heat-of-the-moment rant. Besides, the girl standing next to me is just my little sister. We grew up together, and my mom sees her as her own daughter. If the judge doesn't believe me, she can come and verify it herself. I've brought her with me."

Izabella found it difficult to breathe, her face slightly pale under the light. She didn't expect Brett to bring Kaley to court to testify that he didn't cheat, let alone use the "sister" excuse.

Everyone's attention was drawn to Kaley, who stood up in a secluded corner, her voice hoarse. "That's right, there is no romantic relationship between me and the defendant. He was just talking nonsense, and she made it all up."

Brett smirked throughout, waiting for Kaley to finish. He then added, "As for domestic violence, let me clarify - the miscarriage was caused by Izabella accidentally falling. She admitted in the video that she killed her own baby."

Izabella became furious, yelling, "Brett you bastard, you're talking nonsense!" He dared to turn things around, claiming the miscarriage was her own fault.

The judge sternly said, "Plaintiff, quiet!"

Brett glared at Izabella, his tone suddenly growing heavy. "I wasn't going to mention it, but my wife has a severe mental illness - schizophrenia and paranoid delusions. I have a hospital certification and a doctor's testimony here. It even went viral online."

Isn't it merely a game to bring someone with mental illness to court? The moment Brett's words escaped his lips, a wave of disbelief washed over everyone present, their eyes cutting through Izabella like sharpened knives.

Curious, the judge inquired, "You previously mentioned not intending to bring this up. Why the sudden change?"

Brett responded, "I remained silent before out of consideration for my wife's reputation. However, if I continue to stay silent, I fear she will insist on divorcing me while she's not of sound mind. As her legal guardian, it is my responsibility to ensure her well-being. Besides, after six years of dating and over four years of marriage, can our relationship truly be irreparably shattered by a single statement?"

Trista, alongside the psychiatrist who had treated Izabella at the hospital, stepped forward to testify in support of Brett's claims.

In the end, Mr. Dixon concluded, "Throughout their marriage, the plaintiff Izabella battled with a mental illness. Brett, as her legal guardian, held a certain duty to oversee her welfare."

"Since the plaintiff is severely mentally ill and considered incapable of acting, she loses her ability to defend herself during episodes. The evidence she has provided was submitted while suffering from mental illness and does not meet legal procedure and fact requirements, therefore it is invalid."

"The plaintiff's lawsuit request is inconsistent with the facts and legal basis. Her claims are dismissed!"

Izabella trembled as she tried to explain, "No, I'm cured. I know I want a divorce. We have no feelings for each other! Judge, I appeal for divorce and don't want any money."

The judge looked at Brett, "Defendant, any response?"

Brett scoffed, clearly in control of the situation. He glanced at Mr. Dixon, signaling that he no longer needs to step in.

To her horror and sadness, the man was President Felton, Presley's father - a man she considered family.

One betrayal after another had left her heart ravaged in pain. Izabella didn't catch a word what Brett said. She only saw his lips moving, retelling events as if they were true, even though she had just recently helped the Felton family land a fifteen-billion deal last month.

"The plaintiff, do you have anything to say?" The judge's voice snapped Izabella back to reality. A bitter smile tugged at her lips, and her eyes reflected a profound sense of desolation. Struggling to hold back her tears, she managed to choke out her words, "Why? Why are you all siding with Brett?"

President Felton lowered his gaze, his fist clenched tightly. After a brief pause, he finally locked eyes with Izabella, his tone adopting a gentle and persuasive quality, akin to that of a caring elder. "Izabella, you're unwell. Your judgment is compromised in many aspects. President Windham genuinely loves you. Put an end to this nonsense and return to him for a better life."

Upon hearing President Felton's "words of advice," Izabella couldn't help but erupt into laughter. Her eyes burned with unshed tears, yet she resolutely refused to let them fall. With an unwavering gaze, she surveyed the faces of everyone present in the room.

"Why," she asked, "why is it so damn hard for me to just get a divorce? Why can't people see right from wrong?"

Does having power really put someone above the law?

Desperately, Izabella looked around. She grabbed at her shirt, bunching it up in her hand, as wrinkled and twisted as her heart felt.

The judge's indifference, the guilt evident in Brett's eyes, and the icy glares emanating from all directions felt like shards of frost piercing into her being. Though it was merely late autumn, she couldn't shake off the sensation of plunging into a freezing winter pond, where the coldness stripped her of all rationality.