Chapter 18 - The Courtroom Battle
The courtroom was a circus of media and high-society onlookers.
Marcus Thorne sat at the defense table, looking infuriated but arrogant. He believed his money could buy him out of any corner.
He didn't account for Julian Sterling, and he certainly didn't account for Evelyn Carter.
Julian paced in front of the judge. "Your Honor, the plaintiff claims a legal right to Blackthorn Manor. However, we have submitted Exhibit A—the Black Ledger—which proves that the original lien was forged using funds illicitly obtained through human trafficking."
Marcus’s lawyer jumped up. "Objection! This ledger is inadmissible! It lacks chain of custody!"
Evelyn took the stand. She looked directly at Marcus.
"I secured the ledger from a hidden safe within my own property," Evelyn testified, her voice clear and echoing in the silent room. "A safe placed there by Adrian Vale, with whom the plaintiff conspired. The key was in my possession. The chain of custody is unbroken."
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Marcus glared at her, his mask slipping. "She’s a liar! Just a hysterical ex-wife trying to steal my property!"
The judge banged his gavel. "Mr. Thorne, one more outburst and I will hold you in contempt. I have reviewed the ledger. The evidence is overwhelming."
