Chapter 10 - The Trial BeginsSix months later, Valerie Sterling stood trial.
The courthouse was packed.
Reporters crowded the steps.
Parents across the country followed the case.
Valerie's attorneys claimed she had suffered an emotional breakdown.
The prosecution had another explanation.
Premeditation.
They presented surveillance footage.
Financial records.
Hotel receipts.
Phone records.
Then came the messages.
The courtroom became silent.
Valerie had written about the children as though they were objects.
As though their lives were merely obstacles standing between her and millions of dollars.
David lowered his head.
Elaine reached for his hand.
He squeezed it.
Neither of them spoke.
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They didn't need to.
The evidence spoke for them.
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Chapter 11 - Elaine Takes the StandWhen Elaine entered the witness box, Valerie looked directly at her.
Chapter 12 - The Evidence That Destroyed HerThe final evidence came from Victor Hale.
Chapter 13 - The VerdictThe jury deliberated for less than three hours.
Chapter 14 - A New FamilyOne year later, Elaine retired from teaching.
Chapter 15 - The Scars of a HeroLeo's scars remained.
Chapter 16 - The Shadow of JulianOne evening, Elaine sat alone beneath the mesquite trees.
