Chapter 8 - The Courtroom Drama
The courtroom was packed to the absolute limit, buzzing with reporters, curious onlookers, and heavy security.
Isabella sat at the defense table, wearing a modest, conservative suit in a pathetic attempt to look innocent.
She sneered when Arthur and Sarah walked through the heavy wooden doors, holding little Leo between them.
The trial began, and Isabella's high-priced defense attorney tried to spin a web of absurd excuses.
He claimed Isabella accidentally locked the vent door, believing it was an empty storage space.
He tried to paint Sarah as an opportunistic employee who exaggerated the danger to get a massive payout.
But then, it was time for the prosecution's star witness to take the stand.
The entire courtroom held its collective breath as Sarah walked Leo up to the wooden witness box.
The judge allowed Sarah to sit right beside him, holding his small, trembling hand tightly.
"Can you tell us who locked you in the wall, Leo?" the prosecutor asked with a gentle voice.
Leo looked across the room, his eyes locking onto Isabella, who glared back with a terrifying intensity.
He squeezed Sarah's hand, drawing strength from her unwavering presence.
"My stepmother did it," Leo's clear, brave voice echoed through the silent courtroom.
"She pushed me inside and told me that if I cried, she would make sure my daddy disappeared forever."
A collective gasp echoed through the gallery, and Arthur wiped a tear of pride from his eye.
Isabella slammed her hands on the table, completely losing her fake, innocent composure.
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"You lying little brat!" she screamed, lunging forward before the bailiffs tackled her back into her chair.
The jury had seen enough; the monster had finally shown her true face to the world.
