The Pregnancy They Put on Trial
Chapter 10 - The Pregnancy They Put on Trial
Malcolm’s media team attacked Mara’s pregnancy.
Anonymous reports claimed the child might not be Adrian’s. Articles described her as a servant who trapped a grieving billionaire. Old photographs of Mara with former coworkers were presented as secret relationships.
Victoria’s earlier accusation at the cemetery appeared in leaked footage without the later evidence.
Mara wanted to hide.
Adrian wanted to sue everyone.
The trust attorney advised restraint.
A court hearing on Ruth’s amendment became a public trial of Mara’s character. Malcolm’s lawyers argued Ruth named her under undue influence and Adrian married her to consolidate control.
Mara testified.
She described her employment, Ruth’s ledgers and the hidden ring. She admitted loving Adrian and benefiting from the marriage.
Then she clarified what the trust gave her.
No inheritance.
No personal ownership.
Temporary voting authority subject to independent review.
The lawyer asked whether she was carrying Adrian’s child.
“Yes.”
Whether she would submit to a paternity test.
Adrian stood.
The judge told him to sit.
Mara answered before he could object.
“I will submit because the court requested it. I will not pretend the request became reasonable because strangers repeated a lie.”
The test confirmed Adrian’s paternity.
It did not change the trust case.
Ruth’s physicians, metadata and recorded explanation proved capacity.
The court upheld the amendment.
Afterward, Mara told Adrian she regretted allowing the test.
He asked why she agreed.
“Because I was afraid refusing would make everyone believe him.”
Adrian understood that power had followed them into the courtroom. His ability to ignore rumors did not protect Mara from their consequences.
They issued one statement together.
The child was theirs.
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The child would receive no automatic control of Blackwood companies.
Inheritance would not become another excuse to confuse blood with authority.
