Chapter 8 - The Table Turns
Sarah handed over the life insurance documents and the forensic handwriting analysis of the waiver.
"When Maya’s mother died," Sarah explained to the court, "a trust of $125,000 was established for Maya. Mr. Vance forged the signature of Maya’s guardian, Aunt Claire, to unlawfully withdraw those funds for his own personal use, leaving his abandoned daughter with nothing. We have filed a formal counter-suit for civil fraud, conversion of funds, and are seeking $380,000 in restitution and interest. Furthermore, we have forwarded these documents to the District Attorney’s office for criminal prosecution."
The courtroom was dead silent.
Marcus Sterling slowly closed his leather folder. He turned to Richard, whispered something brief, and then addressed the judge. "Your Honor... my firm wishes to withdraw as counsel for the plaintiff, effective immediately."
"Denied for the duration of this hearing," Judge Vance snapped. She glared at Richard with a disgust that warmed my very soul.
"Mr. Vance," the judge said, her voice dripping with contempt. "You abandoned your child, stole her inheritance, and then had the audacity to use a court of law to extort her for more. Not only is your petition for filial support dismissed with prejudice, but I am ordering you to surrender your passport immediately pending the civil fraud trial. This court is adjourned."
The gavel struck with a sharp, echoing bang.
May you like
Richard collapsed back into his chair, looking like a deflated balloon. I stood up, feeling as light as air. I didn't look at him. I turned to David, who caught me in a massive, lifting hug.
"You did it, brave girl," David whispered into my hair. "You did it."
