Judge Rosalind Barrett adjusted her glasses and looked down at Penelope over the high bench.
“Mrs. Albright, your petition states you are requesting an immediate divorce and waiving your claim to the marital home, the savings account, both vehicles, and Mr. Albright’s business shares,” the judge said softly, her voice echoing off the paneled walls. “Is that correct?”
A quiet murmur moved rapidly through the spectators sitting in the gallery rows.
Penelope’s attorney, Samantha Croft, stiffened instantly beside her and raised a hand. “Your Honor, my client understands the total gravity of this decision, but we must clarify that she is under immense emotional distress.”
“I asked Mrs. Albright,” Judge Barrett interrupted calmly, holding her gaze steady on the pregnant woman.
Penelope lifted her chin and met the judge’s eyes with surprising firmness. “Yes, Your Honor, that is correct because I refuse to take any shared property, so he can keep all of it.”
