Not Us: Briggs & Jacqueline

Chapter 17

Johannah's POV

Sitting in this courtroom was the perfect cover for me. I was ready for whatever shit they wanted to through at me. I had proof and I was only asking for what I was entitled to per the prenup he had me sign when we first married thirty-six years ago. I just had to hold him for as long as possible while the news spread of all his vile, nastiness.

Today marks the start of the full takeover. I can't wait to see his reaction.

I handed the lawyer the newest test results I received. Two brothers who found themselves through the Big Brother Big Sister program. My lawyer added them to the petition this morning. I hated using these kids like this, but I wanted away from this man. Jason had sent information for his lawyer, free of charge since his 'DNA donor' is an asshat but I seem like a decent person. The second eldest offered the same thing.

I let them know I was using a trusted friend and Jason agreed as soon as he heard it was Jefferson. He knew him through some of his club members. The kids have all reached out and apologized for their parent's actions, but also to make sure I was okay. They're all so kind. From the youngest to the eldest.

One of the teenagers, the one who was living with his brother without knowing they were brothers, needed a letter from me proving that his father was not suitable to raise a child. I happily sent that so he could stay with his brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law. It sounded like they loved each other very much.

Once the issues of the prenup were read, he started objecting and nitpicking every point on the damn document. After three hours of arguing back and forth, I considered if it was enough time. Could I let myself out of this shit?

No. Not yet. We haven't gotten a text yet.

I swallowed my pride and started to tell Jefferson about the DNA test that was done on Josey. His eyes go wide as I nod.

"Your Honor," He stands, interrupting the mindless ramblings of Johnathon's lawyer, "we have proof that he's actively having an affair. There's DNA evidence and there is also video evidence I'll be happy to show you in a closed chambers meeting as it is...risqué in what you...see." He tried to put it as delicately as possible.

She nodded her head and had the lawyers approach and they reviewed the evidence, including the video evidence. Those were sounds I'd never get out of my head. Ever. From the time Jacqueline played it for us in her house, to now. I knew what was being played. I could hear it, even when it wasn't playing. I could hear the moans, the pleasurable incoherent words coming out of the three of them. That's more than any wife and mother should ever know about her husband and son.

While he was up there, Jefferson also dropped a copy of the child support lawsuit against Johnathon. I needed the judge to see how despicable he was. I need a just to see how badly he's hurt me. I need to get away from this man. Not keep waiting or have it delayed because of him.

After almost four hours, we get the text. I relented.

"I don't have it in me to fight anymore, Your Honor. I just want to be done with this today. Please." I put my head down, standing up and just begging for all this shit to be over.

Phase one. Complete.

When we walked out of here, he'd be bombarded with news reporters. But they'd all be asking about his many, many affairs and subsequent children. Oops.

Lennon's POV

My job was to be out of town so I couldn't be linked to all the rumors that were flying and the proof that was being dropped at the news stations. I didn't want anyone to think that I would stoop this low. I mean, I would and I did. But to the rest of the world, I was visiting family at the time. I did not know what happened. Chase was supposed to be covering for everything.

I'd left all of the info with Nan. She had a hoard of older women who took gossip and ran with it. Even more scandalous when proof was given, discreetly dropped in blue mailboxes all over the country by family and friends, including those new siblings of mine I'd recently discovered, to news outlets all over. And, let's just say even with only a few cleverly blacked-out photos, you could guess what was happening.

I needed to be back in town, tomorrow because I had an interview to do. I was appearing as the heir to jmw and also finding out who my father was. There were a lot of questions to be answered. This was going to be...perfect. The pièce de resistance.

Here's hoping that being as beautiful as I was could save me from coming across as cunning and calculating. This was a move I was making, but I needed to be sure to control the narrative. If I could manage that, we'd be in the clear.

I'm wearing my best innocent business casual outfit. My makeup is minimal. I'm pulling off the focused businesswoman, I'm wearing wide-leg, high-waisted trousers with a black blouse that ties at the neck. My hair is half up, half down. I'm ready to kill this interview.

As I'm about to walk onto the show, my phone starts vibrating, going crazy. I look at it, silencing it and handing it to my assistant. I smiled at her and she smiled at me as they called me on stage. I waved at the host and the crowd, smiling at everyone like I was just the happiest girl in the world.

"Lennon! Welcome to the show! Thank you for joining us, we know you're busy getting ready for fashion week."

"I am, but I'm having the best time designing at night and shadowing my father during the day."

"Your father?"

"Yes!" I smile enthusiastically, "I decided to try one of those 23AndMe DNA kits. I found my father, and I also found siblings!" I smiled big, clapping my hands excitedly.

"Congratulations! Who is your father?"

"His name is Johnathon Smith, CEO of SmithTech. And I found all my siblings too."

"As far as I know, Mr. Smith only has one child, well two now."

"Actually, there are eight of us," I beamed at that. I gushed at my three big brothers and all my younger siblings. I transitioned back into fashion and fashion week. I answered questions about the day-to-day in the office at SmithTech.

I thanked the host graciously at the end of the interview and waited to exit back to the dressing room once the commercial hit.

"Hey, Lennon. Were you serious about the siblings?"

I nodded, "Could be more. Possibly within his own company within the next few months." I smirked walking off the stage and back to grab my purse and leave. I was done.

But they were definitely done.