Chapter 187 - Back in Court (1)

12 February, Municipal Courthouse, City K

Matthew and Joseph paused at the courthouse door, waiting for Lexi to arrive. Matthew, when he heard about the case listing, wanted to be there to support Lexi. She still hated him, but at the same time he needed to show the world that she was entitled to his support.

Joseph, when he was told what was happening decided that he needed to be at court to limit the potential damage his mother-in-law would cause. Matthew knew that, regardless of anything Joseph scared his mother-in-law.

As Matthew turned from talking quietly to Joseph as they waited, he spotted Lexi walking across the forecourt outside the courthouse. They both moved towards Lexi and as soon as they were close to her she said, angrily "What are you doing here?"

"Lexi, you know I will be here to support you, and Joseph when he realised this was the case involving his mother-in-law decided to come as he did not things to get out of control."

"Madam Rong, the one thing my mother-in-law has never done, at least in my presence, is to overstep the bounds of normally accepted behaviour. I do not know why, but Monica believes that my presence the first time I met her was so intimidating that she did not know what to do and has never recovered from that in my presence. I suspect that if I was not here, even though you are at the courthouse she would only slightly check her behaviour."

Lexi looked to Matthew and said, "You know I can handle business matters on my own."

"Do not be angry. I know that Lexi. You built your business from nothing, not relying on your family. Now I do not want to argue, but according to the law I am your husband, and you are entitled to my support. The fact that a friend wants to support you should not be an issue. And you know if Andrew, Chester and Phillip knew about this case, they would be here as well. Just be gracious today."

Lexi knew that she could not argue, and said "Fine," in a quiet voice. She could feel how persistent Matthew was, but in this case, he was trying to be supportive, rather than domineering. On that basis she could accept the help. Matthew took Lexi's arm and escorted her into the courthouse with Joseph behind them. As they reached the security screening point, the court staff waved Matthew, Lexi and Joseph through.

Joseph quickly headed to the court counter and asked which court room the case, before heading back and quietly saying to Matthew the court room. Just as Matthew turned to speak to Lexi, Lexi noticed her lawyers coming towards her.

"Miss Yao, the case is being heard in a court room on the third floor. Just as we were leaving the office, Madam Mo's lawyers provided us with her defence and counterclaim. We have only had a quick chance to read it, but to quickly sum up her arguments, she claims you defamed her at the Charity Function with your claims about her dress, and that you have no standing to bring the claim as you have nothing to do with LY. Further, she states that her stylist assured her she obtained the dress directly from the Owner of LY."

"Damn her. She knows no bounds," spat Joseph listening to the lawyers.

The lawyers turned and said, "Who are you?" considering the two men in uniform with Lexi.

Matthew responded, "I am her husband, and this is my friend Joseph Wang, who just happens to be Madam Mo's son-in-law, although Madam Mo disowned her daughter Monica for marrying Joseph here."

"Alright." The lawyer did not sound too bothered by this. "The reality is we can defeat her counterclaim. Any defence to a defamation claim is the truth, which we can prove. We have the actual couture dress your staff delivered this morning to our office, and all the ownership doc.u.ments for LY, and material from last year's New York, London, Milan and Paris Fashion weeks where your various collections were launched. What I suspect is she figured that we would not be prepared and would aim for a quick dismissal of the claim. She will not win, but I am guessing her next move will be to blame the stylist, but we have her statement about what happened."

"It sounds good. I just hope that this is over quickly."

"Madam Mo's move will fail. While I suspect her legal team used a few manoeuvres to get this case in front of this particular judge, whose wife is friendly with Madam Mo, the reality is the evidence we have is so overwhelming that in the end there will be no option but to rule in your favour."

Just then, Lexi heard a voice saying "You will lose and prepare to compensate me well. Your lies will ensure that you lose your son, to the people I know can care for him properly."

Matthew felt Lexi trembling beside him, and looked at Joseph, who Madam Mo had not spotted. Joseph, hearing this, paused but seeing the slight shake of Matthew's head realised Mathew did not want his presence revealed at this time. He nodded in agreement and slightly moved to ensure that his mother-in-law would not see him. Once she passed and headed up to the court room, Joseph turned and said quietly for Lexi and Matthew to hear only "Boss, I guess you do not want her to know I am here until the last minute, so she will do what she intends and then change when she knows I am here."

Matthew stopped himself from laughing, and sarcastically said "Perceptive, no wonder you got your promotion, you idiot."

Joseph quietly laughed and said, "And you wonder about your career."

Lexi observing the by-play between the two of them, shook her head and said, "You better not ruin this for me."

Matthew added "You heard the lawyers; your case is airtight. You heard her comment. If she and Richard's parents want to play games, let them. In the end the truth will win out, and they only harm each other's case."

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