Chapter 16 - The Final Walk
Mara immediately requested an emergency hearing with the judge to present our findings and motion for dismissal of the civil suit.
When we arrived at the courthouse, Daniel had tipped off the local press. Several reporters and photographers were gathered near the heavy brass doors, waiting for the scandal to unfold. Daniel stood near them, chatting amiably with his lawyer, absolutely certain he was about to watch his wife collapse publicly under the weight of his accusations.
Claire did not hide.
She stepped out of my car wearing a sharp, tailored cream suit that perfectly hid the thick medical bandage still wrapped securely around her healing ribs. Her head was held high, her posture immaculate. I walked beside her, carrying a simple black briefcase containing the forensic reports.
As we approached the metal detectors, Daniel stepped into our path, his trademark smirk firmly in place.
"Ready to apologize in front of the judge?" Daniel asked, his voice dripping with condescension. "If you admit you stole it, Claire, I might ask the prosecutor for leniency."
Claire didn't look at his shoes. She didn't flinch. She looked directly into his eyes, her gaze steady and cold.
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"No," she said, her voice echoing clearly in the marble lobby. "I’m ready to testify."
Daniel's smile faltered for a fraction of a second as we swept past him, walking through the heavy wooden doors of the courtroom. The game was finally over; it was time to show the judge the board.
