The Billionaire Came Home Early and Found His Daughter Polishing His Fiancée’s Shoes—Then She Whispered, “Dad…”

The defense attorney, a man named Sterling, paced the floor like a shark smelling blood.

He had spent the last hour attempting to dismantle Martha's credibility, highlighting her financial dependence on the Vance estate and suggesting she harbored a personal grudge against Veronica.

"Let's move on to the so-called 'punishments,' Mrs. Higgins," Sterling said, leaning on the podium. "You claim Mrs. Vance restricted Sofia's food?"

"She did," Martha answered, her voice steadier now. "She would tell the kitchen staff to only serve the child plain oatmeal or dry toast if she hadn't finished her chores."

"Chores," Sterling repeated, turning to the jury box. "Is it a crime for a stepmother to instill discipline and responsibility in a privileged, wealthy child by assigning household chores?"

"Objection! Relevancy," Sarah Vance called out.

"Overruled. The witness may answer."

Martha gripped the edge of the witness box.

"Making a child clean her own room is discipline," Martha said, her voice rising in anger. "Locking a nine-year-old in a supply closet for three hours because she dropped a crystal vase is abuse."

The courtroom fell dead silent.

Sterling blinked, clearly not expecting the visceral detail.

"You have no proof of this closet incident," Sterling countered quickly.

"State's Exhibit F," Sarah Vance interjected smoothly. "The architectural blueprints of the mansion, highlighting the specific lock installed on the exterior of the service closet, authorized by Veronica Vance. And State's Exhibit G, the testimony of the locksmith who installed it."

Veronica’s mask cracked for the first time. She glared at her attorney, whispering fiercely.

Sterling cleared his throat. "No further questions."

Alexander exhaled a long breath. He looked at Sofia.

"Are you okay?" he whispered.