Hell Hath no fury like a billionaire's Ex
Chapter 117: You Chessy Fox

Chapter 117: You Chessy Fox

Diane’s POV

Today was the day. After months of Liam’s games and delays, we were finally going to court to compel him to sign the divorce papers. The twins seemed to sense my nervous energy, their gentle movements a comforting reminder.

Joan knocked softly on my door before entering, her phone pressed to her ear.

"Yes, Henry. Andrew mentioned you’d be the perfect person to help us with some... delicate matters. I’d love to discuss the details with you in person. Tomorrow just right after my court appearance works perfectly for me."

As she hung up, I looked at her expectantly.

"Henry Reynolds?" I asked, recalling my conversation with Dad.

"Yes," Joan replied with a smile. "Your father connected us. He thinks Henry’s expertise will be invaluable in handling certain... international financial matters."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "I’m glad Dad could make the introduction. What’s the plan for tomorrow?"

"Henry and I will meet after the court appearance to discuss the documents regarding Liam’s offshore accounts. We’ll review everything and determine our next steps."

I nodded again, understanding the gravity of the situation. With Henry’s expertise and Joan’s legal prowess, we might just have the upper hand in this fight.

It was time to call Noah before we left. I needed to hear his voice—to draw strength from his unwavering support.

His phone rang twice before his warm, familiar voice filled my ear.

"Good morning, beautiful. How are you feeling?"

Just hearing him speak made my heart flutter, the same way it had since our first real conversation.

"Nervous," I admitted, settling back against the pillows. "But ready. Today’s the day we finally put an end to this."

"I wish I could be there with you," Noah said, his voice thick with emotion. "You know I’d cancel everything and be by your side if you asked."

"I know you would," I whispered, my chest tight with love for this man who had become my anchor in the storm. "But you have important meetings today. Just knowing you’re thinking of me is enough."

"Diane," he said softly, "I need you to know something. Whatever happens in that courtroom today, you’re going to walk out of there stronger than when you walked in. You’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever known, and I’m so proud to be yours."

Tears pricked at my eyes. "Noah..."

"I love you," he continued, his voice full of conviction. "I love you, and I love those babies. I can’t wait to build our life together. You’re going to be free today, Diane—free to be the woman you were always meant to be."

"I love you too," I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper. "So much it sometimes scares me."

"Don’t be scared," he said gently. "Love is supposed to feel overwhelming when it’s real. And what we have is as real as it gets."

After we hung up, I sat for a moment, drawing strength from his words. Then I forced myself to get ready, choosing a perfect white dress that accommodated my protruding bump while still looking professional and authoritative.

Joan appeared in the doorway, dressed in her power suit, her briefcase in hand.

"Ready to make history?"

"Let’s do this," I replied, grabbing my purse.

The security detail was already waiting by the cars when we stepped outside. I’d grown accustomed to their presence over the past few weeks, but today, their vigilance felt especially important. Liam had been increasingly erratic, and I wouldn’t put it past him to try something desperate.

The drive to the courthouse was quiet, both Joan and I lost in our own thoughts. As we pulled into the parking lot, I could already see the familiar figure of Richard Holbrook standing near his sleek black car, phone pressed to his ear.

"Showtime," Joan muttered under her breath.

"Ms. Ashton. Ms. Hand," he greeted us with a nod. "Diane, could I have a word with you? Just a moment of your time?"

Joan stepped slightly closer to me, her protective instincts kicking in.

"What’s this about, Richard?"

Holbrook’s usually polished demeanor seemed to crack slightly.

"Look, I’m not here to back Liam up or play games. I’m here as someone who understands the value of family." He looked directly at me, his eyes surprisingly sincere. "I’m a family man myself, Diane. I have daughters. And it breaks my heart to see you going through all this—especially in your condition."

I remained silent, letting him continue.

"I know you’ve been more than reasonable with Liam throughout this entire process, even when he’s been... difficult. If you two really want to go your separate ways, can’t we do this peacefully? Can’t we make sure you get everything you deserve without all this animosity?"

Joan and I exchanged a look. His words seemed genuine, but we’d been burned before by assuming the best of people in Liam’s circle.

"We appreciate your concern, Richard," Joan said diplomatically. "But your client has had months to be reasonable. We’re here to sign a divorce paper, not to negotiate."

Holbrook nodded reluctantly. "I understand. I just... I had to try."

As we walked into the courthouse, I felt the familiar weight of the building’s imposing presence. The security detail stationed themselves outside as Joan and I made our way into the courtroom.

Judge Thompson was already seated at the bench, his expression unreadable as he reviewed the documents before him. I recognized him from our prenup case months ago—the same judge who had ruled in our favor.

"All rise," the bailiff announced as we took our seats.

The courtroom was filled with an air of tension as Joan and I sat at the plaintiff’s table. Liam sat with Holbrook at the defendant’s table, his jaw clenched, his entire body radiating barely contained anger.

Judge Thompson looked up from his papers.

"We’re here today regarding the petition to compel divorce proceedings in the matter of *Ashton v. Ashton*. I see familiar faces here." His eyes met mine briefly. "Ms. Hand, please proceed with your opening argument."

Joan stood gracefully, her voice clear and confident.

"Your Honor, my client, Diane Ashton, requests this court compel Liam Ashton to sign the divorce papers that have been pending for months—and also for the custody of the children. Mr. Ashton has repeatedly delayed and obstructed these proceedings, causing unnecessary emotional and financial hardship to my client."

Holbrook rose. "Your Honor, my client is willing to negotiate the terms of the divorce, but we have concerns about the custody arrangements—"

Judge Thompson held up his hand. "Mr. Holbrook, let’s focus on the divorce decree first. The custody matter will be addressed separately. Ms. Hand, please continue."

I caught Joan’s eye and gave her a subtle shake of my head. We had documents that could destroy Liam—evidence of his offshore accounts, his financial manipulation—but I wanted to hold off. Not yet. I had plans for that information, and timing was everything.

Joan nodded almost imperceptibly and continued her argument, methodically laying out our case. Liam had ignored court deadlines, refused to respond to settlement offers, and generally acted in bad faith throughout the process.

"Your Honor," she said, "my client has been more than patient. She’s attempted to resolve this matter amicably multiple times. Mr. Ashton’s continued delays serve no purpose other than to harass and intimidate a pregnant woman."

Holbrook’s objections were half-hearted at best.

After an hour of arguments and testimony, Judge Thompson leaned back in his chair.

"I’ve heard enough. Mr. Ashton, you’ve had ample opportunity to respond to these divorce proceedings. Your continued delays appear to be nothing more than an attempt to harass the petitioner."

Liam’s face darkened, but he remained silent.

"Therefore," the judge continued, "I’m ordering you to sign the divorce papers within forty-eight hours. The decree will be finalized upon your signature. As for custody arrangements for the unborn children, that matter will be addressed after the children are born."

Relief flooded through me. Finally, I would be free of this marriage.

"However," Judge Thompson added, "I want to make something clear. Both parties are to conduct themselves civilly throughout this process. Any attempt to harass, intimidate, or otherwise interfere with the other party will result in contempt charges."

As we rose to leave, I felt lighter than I had in months.

Joan was beaming as we gathered our things. "We did it," she whispered. "You’re almost free."

We were walking down the courthouse steps, both of us smiling with relief, when I felt compelled to share my strategy.

"The court order to sign the divorce papers is just the beginning," I said quietly. "Tomorrow, when you meet with Henry Reynolds about those documents—Liam’s hidden assets—we’ll save that for the custody hearing. I want to hit him when he won’t see it coming."

Joan nodded approvingly. "I like it. Henry’s findings will be devastating when the time is right."

Our moment of triumph was interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind us. We turned to see Liam approaching. But instead of cold fury, his expression was softer—almost vulnerable.

"Diane," he said quietly, "can we talk? Just for a moment?"

Joan instinctively stepped closer to me, but Liam held up his hands in a peaceful gesture.

"I know I’ve been terrible," he continued, eyes meeting mine with what looked like genuine remorse. "The truth is, I don’t even recognize the man I’ve become."

I remained silent, studying his face.

"We loved each other once, Diane," he said, voice breaking slightly. "That love was real. I know I threw it away... but it meant everything to me."

Joan spoke up, her voice sharp with warning. "Don’t listen to him, Diane."

"Oh! I would listen to him, after all he’s the father of my children," I said.

I could see a smile lay at Liam’s lips as he was happy I had defended him. While Joan’s face turned into absolute confusion. I know she might be thinking what had gotten into me.

He took a tentative step closer as he continued.

"I want to ask you something. I know I have no right... but could we have dinner together? One last time—as what we used to be. Not for us, but for them." He gestured toward my bump.

"They deserve to know their parents tried to find some peace."

Joan’s disapproval radiated beside me, but Liam’s words got under my skin.

"I’m not asking for forgiveness," he said. "Just one conversation. You choose the place and time. Tomorrow."

Before I could respond, Joan stepped forward.

"As your lawyer, I strongly advise you not to honor that invitation."

I looked at her. "As a friend, what would you advise?"

"I’d still ask you not to go," Joan said firmly.

I turned back to Liam. "I’ll... think about it."

Joan’s head whipped toward me. "Are you really going to think about going? After everything he’s put you through?"

Liam’s irritation flared. "Joan, back off. I’m not speaking to you. I’m talking to my wife."

"Soon-to-be ex-wife," Joan snapped. "And you need to stay away from Diane. Just sign the divorce papers."

I stepped forward. "Don’t you ever talk to my friend like that again," I said, voice steady. "Ever. And yes, you will sign those papers."

Liam raised his hands, a familiar charming smile playing at his lips.

"Of course. I’ll sign them. Just... think about dinner, okay? I’ll be waiting."

Then, in a juvenile move, he flipped Joan off before walking away.

Joan stared after him, incredulous. "Well, that was mature."

I let out a laugh. "Did he just... flip you off like a teenager?"

"He did indeed," Joan said. "We’ve officially reduced him to playground tactics."

Then her face hardened. "Are you for real, Diane?"

"Oh, I’m playing Liam’s game. Don’t you get it?"

Joan stared at me for a moment—then smiled.

"You chessy fox."

I smiled too. While Liam thought his remorseful act was working, plans were already building in my mind. If he wanted dinner, if he wanted to play games, I could play too. And I would be ready for him.

We drove home in silence, Joan’s expression still tight with concern.

Then her phone rang. She glanced at the screen.

"Henry Reynolds," she said, before answering.

"Hello, Henry. Yes, the case went well. The judge ordered him to sign the papers within forty-eight hours... Yes, we can still meet as planned. I think we need to discuss our next steps more than ever now."

As Joan spoke, I stared out the window, already working through the possibilities. Liam thought he was clever. Thought he could manipulate me with nostalgia and false remorse.

But two could play that game.