Three weeks later, the bright morning sun hit the courthouse glass.
Sarah wore a simple grey suit while sitting at the wooden table.
Mark sat next to her, holding her cold hand with firm strength.
Their young family lawyer, David Miller, reviewed his legal notes closely.
On the other side of the room sat Evelyn with Arthur Vance.
Evelyn wore a bright white designer dress with diamond pearl earrings.
She looked confident and completely calm as she adjusted her hair.
The judge, a strict woman named Judge Helen Davis, entered slowly.
Everyone stood up in respect as Judge Davis sat at the bench.
Judge Davis: We are here regarding the emergency custody case of Leo.
Judge Davis: Mr. Vance, you may present your client's argument first.
Arthur Vance stood up gracefully and adjusted his dark suit jacket.
He walked toward the center of the spacious courtroom with pride.
Arthur: Your Honor, my client, Mrs. Evelyn Vance, is deeply concerned.
Arthur: The mother, Sarah Vance, suffers from extreme emotional distress.
Arthur: She frequently leaves her small infants unattended in dangerous spots.
Arthur: My client simply seeks to provide a safe mansion home environment.
Arthur presented fake photos showing messy rooms and cluttered kitchen tables.
Sarah gasped in deep shock as she looked at those photos.
Evelyn had taken those photos months ago during home kitchen remodeling!
Sarah: That is a complete lie, Your Honor!
David: Quiet, Sarah, let me handle this directly on floor.
David stood up firmly and walked toward the center podium area.
David: Your Honor, these allegations are completely manufactured by Evelyn Vance.
David: She is retaliating because she was kicked out for mistreating Leo.
Evelyn leaned forward and spoke loudly without waiting for permission.
Evelyn: That is untrue! Sarah attacked me in cold blood!
Evelyn: She is an unfit mother who cannot control her wild temper!
Judge Davis slammed her wooden gavel down with a sharp sound.
Judge Davis: Silence in my courtroom, Mrs. Vance!
Judge Davis: Do you have any real proof to support your claims?
Arthur Vance smiled calmly and pulled out a tall stack of paper.
Arthur: We have signed witness statements from neighbors, Your Honor.
Sarah felt her head spin as she listened to the false statements.
Evelyn had paid off old neighbors with cash to lie about Sarah.
It seemed like Evelyn's vast fortune was winning the big battle.
Mark held Sarah's hand tight, but his own palm was sweating.
Mark: David, we have to show her the real phone evidence!
David: Your Honor, we request permission to present our key video.
Evelyn's eyes flashed with quick anxiety as Arthur stood up fast.
Arthur: Objection! That video was recorded illegally by a child!
Judge Davis: Overruled, Mr. Vance. I will review the footage now.
David plugged a USB drive into the court's large video screen.
The courtroom lights dimmed as the big screen turned bright blue.