Chapter 233 - Return bout (5)

4 March, Municipal Courthouse, City K

After hearing from Lexi's lawyers, the judge said, "I have heard from everyone. What I am about to do as an interim matter is not going to please anyone. Firstly, Mister and Madam Yao, you need to cooperate with the military for the security clearance. If you do not, not only will I have no option to refer this matter to the military courts for them to decide what happens, and you will be excluded from the court. Secondly, and I hate doing this you can only spend time during the day with Dominic until this is done. Once it is done, then Dominic can spend at two nights a fortnight with you. Thirdly, other than the two trips that Colonel and Madam Rong have informed us of overseas, Dominic is not to leave the country until these matters are decided."

Hearing that, the Yao's lawyers jumped up and said "Sir, either Dominic can travel overseas, or he cannot. While our clients view that a Christening otherwise in normal circ.u.mstances would be acceptable, allowing him to travel overseas for that wedding exposes Dominic to activities that our clients view as totally abhorrent. While the decision is still pending our client's views should be respected as much as the mother's position."

Lexi tapped her lawyers on the shoulder and said quietly "No way. They never objected to Chester and Phillip being in his life before now. They agreed to Dominic living with Chester while I was overseas…"

"We have it," said the senior lawyer quietly to Lexi before standing up. He continued to the court, "Sir, Mister and Madam Yao seem to have forgotten that until our client returned permanently from overseas, Dominic lived with his maternal Uncle Chester. The evidence as to why our client was not here is in the psychological reports on the court file, and Chester supported Dominic spending time with his grandparents. Their objection now to Chester Yao is a little too late, and more importantly totally disrespects him, what he has done for everyone and most importantly Dominic."

Holding a hand up, the judge said "Before this descends into a farce, I have already taken that into account. If it was any other wedding, I would have totally refused to allow Dominic to travel, but Chester Yao, even though he is Dominic's maternal uncle has constantly played a significant role in Dominic's life. Madam Rong's lawyers are correct that must be respected, regardless of the views of everyone. But to minimise your concerns Mister and Madam Yao, other than those two trips Dominic's passport will be held by the court."

"Finally, I am going to arrange for a child psychologist to speak to Dominic, to find out what he wants. There is no way that we can reconcile your positions, given your proposals regarding Dominic. That insight will provide the court with a direction to make decisions, weighing up everything else. But, if there is not cooperation by the a.d.u.l.ts with these orders, I can tell you now it will count against you, and without question I will shift the case to the military jurisdiction which will only see one outcome."

With that the judge stood up and quickly left the courtroom, conscious that he otherwise might have to do something he would regret in the matter.

As soon as the judge was out of the courtroom, Richard's father came over and slapped Lexi in the face, before adding "You disrespectful b*tch. Fold now and respect Richard's wishes for Dominic and we will let you off lightly. Fight us, and we will ensure that your life is hell."

Matthew, seeing this, held his hand up, which stopped Lieutenant Li from coming closer. Lexi stood up and looked him in the eye, "Bring it on. You know exactly what Richard did to me, and to Dominic during my marriage to him. Now that I have recovered from that hell, you expect me to roll over and give you what you want. You have no chance. But, unlike you two who want to challenge the court at every step I am respectful of the process."

"Respectful, that is a lie. You abandoned your child, forced us to allow him to live with a perverted individual, and failed to respect Richard's wishes. He knew what was best for you when you were married, and you got what you deserved because you fought him on that during your marriage. He still knows what is best for you, and you want to fight that."

Lexi, paused for a second, and heard the comment "See you know we are right. Agree now to Dominic living with us, and we will agree to you spending two days a year with him. Oppose us, and you will not see him until he turns eighteen. See we can be generous."

That was enough and Lexi exploded "Generous, my ass. It is all about you and control. You are no different to your son, who figured that the world owed him. Get a grip on reality."

"It is you, you b*tch that has no idea of reality," added Madam Mo.

"Do you two have anything different to say. I am sick of it simply being on repeat. You want respect, it is a two-way street. You fail to respect me, do not expect me to respect you in return. And, to be realistic you can bring it on. At least I have respect for your role in Dominic's life and want you to be a part of his life. You have no respect for my family and my role in his life."

Turning to Matthew, Lexi added "Get me out of here, I cannot stand having to deal with my former in-laws as I bet the next thing I say will be totally disrespectful to them, that does Dominic no good."

Matthew quickly made space, and with Lieutenant Li's help quickly escorted Lexi out of the courtroom, to the calls of her former in-laws abusing her. Once they were outside, Matthew said "Lieutenant, see to the implementation of the orders quickly. We need to end this game for Dominic's sake."

"Got it boss, we both know they are lying. But, Dominic's passport…"

"Is in the safe at home." Turning to Lexi Matthew gave her a hug and said, "Will you be alright getting to work?"

"I will, the guards you have for me are around, so they can escort me back. Go, or I will get angry with you."

Matthew, said "Come Lieutenant, you can follow me, and I will get his passport for you to bring back."

-------

If you are reading this novel anywhere other than at or its apps then you are reading work that has been stolen in breach of the authors rights and those rights assigned to others.

Please support this author and only access this novel through at /book/15095783406874805 and report the illegal posting of this work.