Chapter 7 - The Day in Court
The courthouse was a grand, intimidating building with high marble ceilings and cold wooden benches.
David walked in wearing a sharp navy suit, holding his head high as Marcus flanked him.
Across the aisle, his aunt, uncle, and Valerie sat huddled with their discount defense attorney.
Valerie looked terrible; her arrogant smirk was gone, replaced by deep dark circles and nervously twitching hands.
The judge, a no-nonsense man named Henderson, called the court to order.
Valerie’s lawyer tried to argue that the injuries on Leo were accidental, a tragic result of roughhousing.
"It was a simple family misunderstanding, Your Honor," the opposing lawyer pleaded weakly.
Marcus stood up, projecting the high-definition hospital photos of Leo’s bruised face and scratched neck onto the courtroom screen.
A collective gasp echoed through the gallery.
"Accidents do not leave deep fingernail gouges on a five-year-old's throat, Your Honor," Marcus boomed.
The judge stared at the photos, his expression hardening with visible disgust.
David’s aunt suddenly stood up, unable to control her toxic entitlement.
"He's a liar!" she shrieked at the top of her lungs, pointing a shaking finger at David.
"He brainwashed that brat to make us look bad!"
The judge slammed his gavel down so hard it echoed like a gunshot.
"Bailiff, remove that woman from my courtroom immediately!" the judge roared.
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David watched with total indifference as two guards dragged his screaming aunt out of the double doors.
The facade of their respectable family had completely crumbled.
