“It wasn’t a cup that ended your marriage, Mr. Foster,” the judge said. “It was your conscious decision to use violence to force obedience.”

That sentence hung in the room like a heavy door closing forever.

The criminal court recognized the injuries, the coercion, and the severe domestic violence. Derek received a prison sentence as set out by state law, along with strict restrictions on approaching or contacting the victim for several years, mandatory psychological treatment, full financial reparations, and compensation for both physical and emotional harm.

Suzanne faced separate criminal proceedings for the bank fraud and harassment, plus the legal obligation to return the stolen funds to Skylar’s account.

Mrs. Greer wasn’t convicted at that particular hearing, but her name was formally kept in the financial investigation because her home address had been used as a hub for the fraud.

In civil court, the divorce was resolved quickly, with Derek granted no rights to the apartment. It was clearly established that the property had been acquired before the marriage and paid for entirely with Skylar’s own money, so no fabricated “family contribution” could stand against the legal deeds, transfers, and dates.