Three days later, the news of the courthouse staircase assault had completely taken over every major financial news network across the nation. Headlines read: "Vance Global Secretary Arrested For Attempted Murder Of Heiress," "Offshore Embezzlement Scheme Uncovered In Forty-Million Estate Drama," and "Chief Justice Sterling Takes Command Of Vance Global Board."
Inside the high-security arraignment courtroom, Amanda sat at the defense table wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, her wrists chained to her waist belt. Beside her stood two public defenders who looked visibly uncomfortable representing her.
Behind the prosecution table sat District Attorney Marcus, flanked by stacks of evidence folders, hard drives containing the 4K courthouse security footage, and financial audits provided by the state forensics team.
Judge Miller: We are on the record for the State versus Amanda Vance. Case number 4092. Charges: Attempted premeditated murder, aggravated felony assault, grand corporate fraud, and obstruction of justice. How does the defendant plead?
Defense Attorney: Your Honor, my client pleads not guilty by reason of extreme emotional distress and self-defense.
District Attorney Marcus: Self-defense, Your Honor?! The defendant shoved a six-month pregnant woman down twenty marble stairs while carrying a briefcase containing three million dollars in stolen bearer bonds!
Defense Attorney: The video footage is inconclusive, Your Honor! It doesn't show who initiated physical contact on the landing!
District Attorney Marcus turned toward the large projection screen mounted on the courtroom wall and pressed a button on his remote control.
The high-definition video played in crystal-clear quality. The bright daylight lit up the marble stairs perfectly. The entire gallery watched as Amanda stepped forward, raised both hands with clear intent, and violently launched Cora backward down the stone steps before standing at the top with a cruel, smug smile.
A loud gasp rippled through the news reporters and spectators sitting in the public gallery.
District Attorney Marcus: The State rests its argument on physical evidence, Your Honor. The defendant’s actions were calculated, malicious, and executed with cold indifference to human life.
Judge Miller: In light of the overwhelming video evidence, the severity of the charges, and the defendant's attempt to flee the jurisdiction with stolen funds, bail is denied. Defendant will remain in custody pending trial.
Amanda slammed her chained fists against the defense table, screaming in frustration as court officers grabbed her shoulders.
Amanda: This is a setup! Thomas Sterling orchestrated this whole thing to steal my share of Vance Global!
Judge Miller: Remove the defendant from my courtroom immediately!
As Amanda was dragged out through the rear exit, kicking and screaming, Chief Justice Thomas Sterling walked out of the courtroom doors into the sunshine, where a dozen reporters were waiting with microphones.
Reporter 1: Chief Justice Sterling! How is your daughter-in-law doing after the emergency surgery?
Judge Sterling: Cora has successfully stabilized. The doctors have stopped the internal bleeding, and both she and my baby grandson are completely out of danger.
Reporter 2: What will happen to Vance Global now that Amanda Vance is facing life in prison?
Judge Sterling: Vance Global will return to its rightful owner. Next week, Cora Vance Sterling will be officially sworn in as the Chairwoman and CEO of the company. Justice has prevailed, and the truth has set us free.