The judge leaned forward, interest clearly piqued. She gestured for Eleanor to proceed with presenting her evidence to the court clerk.
Judge Davis: You may present your evidence, Ms. Vance.
Eleanor handed a flash drive to the court bailiff, who plugged it into the courtroom multimedia system. Eleanor stepped up to the podium, pointing toward the digital monitor mounted on the wall.
Eleanor: First, Your Honor, we present bank transfer receipts showing that Victoria Vance transferred fifty thousand dollars from her personal line of credit directly to Dr. Arthur Harrison yesterday morning—three hours BEFORE the alleged incident even took place.
The courtroom erupted into quiet gasps. Victoria's lawyer turned his head sharply to look at his client, his face suddenly full of panic.
Mr. Vance: Your Honor, my client... my client claims that was for private medical consultation fees!
Eleanor: A consultation fee paid hours before any medical emergency occurred? I think not. But let us move to the second piece of evidence.
Eleanor pressed a button on the remote control. The courtroom speakers crackled to life. Clear, uninterrupted audio filled the courtroom. It was the voice of Victoria, sharp and aggressive, speaking inside the Dallas mansion living room.
Victoria's Voice (Recording): If you don't hold her hands behind her back right now, Martha, I will cancel your son's medical insurance tonight! Hold her still while I cut her shirt!
Lyra's Voice (Recording): No! Aunt Eleanor, help me! Stop!
Victoria's Voice (Recording): Shut up! When Eleanor gets home, you will say you did this to yourself, or I will make sure you never see your aunt again!
The audio recording stopped. A heavy, shocking silence fell over the entire courtroom. Victoria sat frozen in her seat, her face completely pale, her mouth slightly open in utter disbelief. Her stepson's inheritance scam was completely exposed in front of the judge, the bailiffs, and the entire public gallery.
Judge Davis: Is that authentic audio recorded on the premises, Ms. Vance?
Eleanor: Yes, Your Honor. It was recorded by the household maid, Martha, who was forced under extreme duress and threats to participate. Martha is currently standing outside this courtroom, ready to testify under oath.
Judge Davis slammed her gavel down on the wooden block with a loud, thunderous crack that shook the entire bench.
Judge Davis: I have heard enough. This is one of the most disgraceful acts of greed and child abuse I have ever witnessed in my twenty years on the bench!
Victoria: Your Honor, please! It's a setup! Eleanor forged those audio tapes!
Judge Davis: Be quiet! Bailiff, take Mrs. Victoria Vance into custody immediately on charges of attempted extortion, child endangerment, and filing false legal documents!
Two armed police officers stepped forward from the back of the courtroom. They grabbed Victoria by her arms and pulled her out of her leather chair. She screamed and struggled, her designer dress twisting as they clicked metal handcuffs around her wrists.
Victoria: You won't get away with this, Eleanor! That money belongs to the Vance family!
Eleanor: That money belongs to Lyra. And you will never touch a single penny of it ever again.