We stood as Judge Beckett walked back into the courtroom, her black robes rustling against the doorframe.

She took her seat on the bench, her expression grim as she looked down at the documents in front of her.

She did not acknowledge the federal agents standing at the back of the room, though she had clearly been informed of their presence.

She adjusted her glasses and picked up her black fountain pen.

“We are back on the record,” Judge Beckett said.

She looked directly at Gavin, then at me.

“Having reviewed the financial disclosures, the certified corporate registries from the State of Delaware, and the forensic accounting reports, this court has reached its final determination,” she said.

The room was so quiet I could hear the scratching of the court reporter’s machine.

“The custody of the minor children, Nolan Rourke and Parker Rourke, is the primary concern of this court,” Judge Beckett said.

She turned a page in her folder.

“The evidence demonstrates a consistent pattern of manipulation, financial deceit, and parental alienation on the part of the petitioner, Gavin Rourke,” she stated.