Chapter 163 - Confronting Richard's Parents (1)

28 January, Municipal Courthouse, City K

Lexi, while still fuming about Matthew escorting her to the courthouse in his military vehicle, at least allowed him to assist her down, knew she was more worried about Richard's parents' reaction to Matthew's presence. Despite them ultimately only having a distant connection to Dominic, which they knew, they were determined to gain control of him.

Lexi observed Matthew signal to Warrant Officer Wang, who slightly moved the vehicle before quickly escorting them into the courthouse.

Walking into the courthouse beside a uniform wearing Matthew and being escorted by Warrant Officer Wang, Lexi knew they were highly visible, but at the same time it made her feel safe and comfortable, as if no one would hurt her. Upon reaching the courthouse door, the security staff spotted Matthew and his adjunct, and came racing over to escort them into the building and around the security screening point.

After they had been escorted around the screening point, Lexi started to look around to locate her lawyers. She spotted Richard's parents waiting in line at security screening and could hear them complaining about how unfair it was that people like them were forced to wait in line when sc.u.m where shown around security screening. In that moment Lexi realised that her former in-laws had not changed. They still believed that they were the most important people every situation.

As she kept looking around Lexi then spotted her lawyers approaching them. Subconsciously Matthew and Warrant Officer Wang moved to shield her, as Lexi quietly said, "They are my lawyers."

Upon hearing that Matthew relaxed knowing there was no threat to Lexi or himself. Lexi quickly introduced them to Matthew and Warrant Officer Wang.

Out of the corner of Matthew's eye, he observed a woman in military uniform heading towards them. As she arrived, she paused and snapped a salute, which Matthew and Warrant Officer Wang immediately returned, before saying "Colonel Rong, I am Lieutenant Bronwyn Li. National Command has assigned me to assist you in this matter."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," promptly responded Matthew.

After taking the time to introduce her to Lexi's lawyers, Matthew felt Lexi tensing up beside him. He slightly turned and observed her. Her former in-laws were heading towards where they were standing. Squeezing her hand, Matthew leant in and quietly said "Lexi do not worry. They are out to cause you to react."

Lexi nodded, knowing that Matthew was right, but still this concerned her as they wanted to take Dominic from her care. However, before she could respond, Lieutenant Li interrupted "Colonel, I believe it would be better if we took this discussion elsewhere. Also, I need to clarify something with you."

Hearing this Lexi's lawyers realised that there was something not quite right, and hurriedly led the way towards an interview room where they could talk before the matter went before the court. As they seated themselves in the room Lexi's two lawyers stated "Ms Yao, Colonel. Given how quick these proceedings have been listed we will have a discussion with Ms Yao's former in-laws' representatives to see what their position is today to determine where the matter will go."

Lexi, worried about the situation said "Fine," which prompted both them to leave the room.

Matthew spotting the opportunity said, "Warrant Officer Wang, can you step outside and make sure no one enters until we finish talking."

"Yes Sir." And with that Warrant Officer Wang stepped outside shutting the door.

Matthew, wanting to ensure their protection from recording devices, flipped the switch on the small jamming device in his pocket before turning to Lieutenant Li and stating "Lieutenant, what have you been told?"

"The truth, sir. You might not remember me from national headquarters, but I am one of the lawyers assigned to deal specifically with matters involving members of the Special Forces and they families. While we all are competent in most areas of law, my focus is assisting in matters such as this. I know the background to your marriage and been specifically briefed. My briefing included advice as to your true rank, General, and why that is not able to be disclosed, and specific advice on what I am able to say in a public arena."

Taking a breath, she continued "Madam Rong, I have also had access to and read the doc.u.ments filed with the court. Knowing what I do, I can easily prevent Dominic from being placed in the care of his paternal grandparents. The question is for you Madam Rong, and you Sir, is how far do you want me to go?"

Lexi turned to Matthew surprised that his lawyer had information and was ready to go in hard. Her own lawyer's position late Friday was that they had little hope in preventing Dominic going into the care of Richard's parents.

"What do you mean?"

"Madam Rong, there are a few ways we can approach this, but each has its own issues. Given the General's position, anything that happens to Dominic has a national security implications. That is difficult to disclose as there has not been appropriate vetting of everyone who will be in the court room to know that information, let alone I do not have the relevant orders from the capital to ensure that, even if the first problem was addressed, that at ensures its suppression of all information to protect National Security Information, but has the added issue of placing Dominic at Risk. That is something I do not want to do."

"Secondly, I can run a version of that argument that the General's position means that before the court can make a decision military interests mean that all security vetting procedures have to be taken to determine whether the military will oppose the matter. It does not create as many national security implications but only delays a decision. The vetting not only includes your former in-laws Madam Rong, but all people in their household and any persons who would have contact with Dominic. We will then have to return to court before the court can make any decision. It simply delays matters, and that may not be what you want."

"We can, given the events before your marriage seek an order declaring your marriage to Richard Yao invalid due to your commitment to a military marriage with the General. That commitment was not voided before your marriage and is a legitimate tactic. That would invalidate the terms of your late husband's will, but it has implications for you, your family and Jax Corp with dealing with the share ownership as well as making Dominic in the eyes of many, which personally I believe is wrong, a bastard. I do not understand how that places him with respect to potential inheritances with respect to Jax Corp, as some family companies have provisions to prevent illegitimate children inheriting anything."

"The final option, and that is the least effective, is that I can simply insist that due to the General's position and Dominic being his step-son, the military have an interest in being heard in the case. Unlike the other options, which at least preliminary will ensure that Dominic remains in your care Madam Rong, this option means that we have no control over the court's decision today. Of course, there are some variation on each of these options..."

"Lieutenant, the last thing I want is my stepson to be hurt. I am leaning towards the second option. We can delay at this time and enable my wife's lawyers to better prepare the case, rather than going into heavy right at the start, but we could use the threat regarding the marriage over them."

"Matthew, there is no way I want Dominic to be declared illegitimate."

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