CHAPTER 3 — THE EMPIRE OF LIES
CHAPTER 3 — THE EMPIRE OF LIES
Two weeks later, the courtroom was filled beyond capacity.
Former employees.
Journalists.
Business partners.
Everyone wanted to witness the fall of one of the city's most powerful families.
Vivian entered wearing designer clothes and an expression of confidence.
Marcus walked beside her.
They still believed money could buy another victory.
Then the judge entered.
The proceedings began.
One witness after another took the stand.
My father's nurse testified that medication had been increased without medical approval.
A forensic accountant revealed millions of dollars transferred into shell companies controlled by Marcus.
A handwriting expert explained that several signatures had been traced rather than written naturally.
Vivian's attorney objected repeatedly.
Each objection was denied.
Finally, my lead lawyer stood.
"Your Honor..."
"We have one final piece of evidence."
He held up a small flash drive.
The courtroom lights dimmed.
Security footage appeared on the large screen.
Vivian could be seen forcing my father's hand onto legal documents while he drifted in and out of consciousness.
Marcus stood beside her, laughing.
The courtroom fell silent.
Even Vivian's own attorney slowly closed his briefcase.
He knew it was over.
The judge looked directly at Vivian.
"Do you have anything to say before this court reaches its decision?"
May you like
For the first time in years...
Vivian had nothing to say.
