Chapter 79: The Legal Battle for Eva Enterprise and Carter Couture

The courtroom was tense. The soft murmur of voices echoed through the grand chamber as lawyers shuffled papers, paralegals took their places, and the media gathered to catch a glimpse of what had become one of the most publicized legal battles of the decade. The fight between Olivia Carter and Mathew Pierce for control over Eva Enterprise and Carter Couture was more than just a family feud — it was the battle for a legacy.

Olivia sat at the plaintiff's table, her posture stiff, eyes focused straight ahead. Her legal team was prepared, led by a sharp-witted attorney named Rachel Miller, who had a reputation for being relentless in high-stakes corporate cases. On the other side of the room, Mathew lounged arrogantly in his seat, his face smug as his team of high-powered lawyers prepared their defense. He had been running the companies for years, manipulating shareholders, silencing dissenters, and erasing Olivia's influence from the board. Today, he was about to face the full force of justice.

Olivia's mind was calm, though her heart raced. Ethan, still keeping his identity hidden, had offered to come and support her, but they both knew it was safer for him to stay out of sight. His role would come later. For now, it was up to her to fight for what was rightfully hers and for their daughter, Eva.

The judge entered, and the courtroom fell silent.

Opening Statements

Rachel Miller rose to her feet, adjusting her glasses as she walked toward the jury. "Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury," she began, her voice strong and clear, "this case is about deception, manipulation, and the wrongful seizure of two companies that were founded on the hard work and vision of Olivia Carter and her family."

She paused, turning toward Mathew's side of the room. "My client, Olivia Carter, is the rightful owner of Carter Couture, a brand built by her family, and Eva Enterprise, a company founded in the name of her daughter. The defendant, Mathew Pierce, has systematically stolen control of these businesses, using unethical tactics and outright lies to wrest them from Olivia's hands while she was vulnerable."

The jury's eyes were focused on her, captivated by her passionate delivery.

"We will prove," Rachel continued, "that Mathew Piercemanipulated board members, forged documents, and engaged in illegal activities to maintain control of these companies. It is time to restore what was wrongfully taken."

Mathew's attorney, a smug-looking man named Donovan Grant, stood next. He offered a thin smile to the jury, as if the outcome were already in his favor.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Donovan began, "this case is nothing more than a baseless attempt by Olivia Carter to reclaim what she voluntarily gave up. After disappearing for years, leaving the companies in the hands of my client, she now returns, expecting to be handed control without regard to the work and stability Mathew has provided. This is not a case of theft but of entitlement."

Olivia clenched her fists under the table. She knew the truth, and soon, so would the court.

The Fight for the Truth

As the days went by, witnesses were called, and documents were scrutinized. Olivia's team presented a mountain of evidence that pointed to Mathew's betrayal. Emails showed how he had maneuvered himself into power while Olivia was away. Witnesses testified about secret meetings between Mathew and his partner-in-crime, Alexander Quinn, where they conspired to take full control of Carter Couture and Eva Enterprise.

Olivia was called to the stand. She recounted the day she left, the day she had to flee the country to protect her daughter from the threats made by Mathew and others. Her voice never wavered, though her pain was evident.

"I left because I had no choice," Olivia said, her gaze steady as she looked at the jury. "They threatened my life, my daughter's life. Mathew Pierce was not protecting the companies — he was seizing them for himself, knowing I couldn't return to fight for them."

Mathew's defense team tried to discredit her, painting her as a runaway who abandoned her responsibilities. But Olivia held her ground, supported by undeniable evidence that told the real story.

The turning point came when Rachel Miller presented a key piece of evidence — a contract forged by Mathew to strip Olivia of her shares in Carter Couture. It was a blatant act of fraud, and the moment the document was displayed in front of the jury, the tide shifted.

The courtroom buzzed with whispers. Even Mathew's attorneys seemed thrown off by the reveal. Mathew, for the first time, looked rattled, his smug demeanor cracking.

Closing Arguments and the Verdict

Rachel's closing argument was sharp and precise. "Mathew Pierce used every underhanded tactic at his disposal to take these companies from Olivia Carter. He threatened her, manipulated her, and forged documents to strip her of her rightful ownership. The evidence is clear, the witnesses have spoken, and the truth is undeniable."

Donovan, in his final plea, attempted to spin the situation as a business decision made in the best interest of the companies. But his arguments fell flat. The jury could see through the lies, and so could the judge.

After hours of deliberation, the jury returned.

The courtroom was silent as the foreman stood.

"We, the jury, find in favor of the plaintiff, Olivia Carter, and declare her the rightful owner of Carter Couture and Eva Enterprise."

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Olivia sat frozen, hardly believing what she had just heard. Then, as the judge confirmed the verdict, a rush of relief washed over her. She had won.

Mathew slumped in his seat, his face pale and shocked. The realization that he had lost everything was sinking in.

Headlines Across the City

The next morning, the media exploded with headlines:

"Olivia Carter Reclaims Carter Couture and Eva Enterprise in Stunning Courtroom Victory!"

"Justice Served: Olivia Carter Wins Back Control of Family Companies After Bitter Legal Battle with Mathew Pierce"

Olivia's name was everywhere, and for the first time in years, it wasn't associated with scandal or loss. It was associated with strength, victory, and justice.

Back at home, Olivia sat with Ethan, their hands intertwined. He had been with her every step of the way, even if he hadn't been able to stand by her in court.

"You did it, Liv," he said softly, pride shining in his eyes.

"No," Olivia replied, smiling as she looked at him and then at Eva, who played nearby. "We did it."