Chapter 7 - The Final Battle
The courtroom was packed on the final day of the trial. The air was electric. Sterling rested his case, knowing it was built on a foundation of sand. It was Helen’s turn.
She didn't call character witnesses. She didn't put me on the stand to cry. She put up the projector screen.
"Your Honor," Helen said clearly. "The defense claims Arthur Vance was mentally unfit, and that Evelyn Vance is a grieving widow entitled to his estate. I submit to the court Exhibit A."
She hit play.
Arthur’s face filled the screen. The courtroom fell silent. Even Evelyn gasped.
"I am of sound mind," Arthur’s recorded voice echoed off the wood-paneled walls. "And I am recording this because I know Evelyn. I know she will try to take what belongs to my son, Leo. I formally adopted Leo because he is my son in every way that matters. I leave my entire estate to him. Evelyn abandoned us. She chose a coward's path. She is entitled to nothing."
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Arthur paused in the video, looking straight into the lens, and for a moment, it felt like he was looking right at me. "Leo, if you're watching this, stand your ground. I protected you in life, and I'll protect you in death. I love you, son."
I wiped a rogue tear from my cheek. I wasn't the broken eleven-year-old boy anymore.
