Chapter 7 - THE VANCE EMPIRE FALLSThe federal trial began on a gray Tuesday.
Arthur and Beatrice sat at the defense table.
Chloe testified.
Ethan testified.
Then I was called.
Victoria Grant, Julian's ruthless attorney, tried to destroy me.
"You planned this raid."
"Yes."
"You timed it for the baby shower."
"Yes."
"You wanted revenge."
"I wanted protection."
She smiled.
"Isn't your daughter just a pawn?"
The courtroom went silent.
I stood slowly.
I opened my blouse just enough to reveal the scar from my emergency C-section.
"This scar isn't a pawn."
My voice shook.
"But it is proof."
I told the jury about the fertility treatments.
The pregnancy.
The punch.
The blood.
The emergency surgery.
The NICU.
"That baby isn't my weapon," I said.
"She's the reason I survived."
The jury returned four hours later.
Guilty.
Arthur Vance.
Forty-seven counts.
Beatrice Vance.
Twelve counts.
The empire collapsed.
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But Julian remained.
And he was becoming desperate.
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