Chapter 10 - Exposed Under Oath
Sarah Lin plugged a flash drive into the courtroom projection terminal. The large monitor on the wall flickered to life, showing the panoramic view of the lavish dining hall.
The audio was horrifyingly crisp.
Amy’s voice echoed through the courtroom: ""He's burning up, I need to take him upstairs.""
Then came Eleanor’s chilling, amused response: ""After you serve the coffee.""
The footage showed Eleanor sipping her red wine while baby Leo wept weakly in the background. It showed Amy swaying from physical exhaustion, balancing stacks of heavy plates. Then it showed Julian entering, witnessing the cruelty, and Eleanor coldly commanding her guards to trap them inside.
The courtroom fell into an absolute, breathless hush. Harrison Cole stared at the screen, his mouth open, unable to utter an objection.
Judge Miller’s expression changed from bored indifference to utter disgust. He lowered his glasses, staring directly at Eleanor Vance, whose pale face was now mottled with rage and embarrassment.
""Is this the 'maternal neglect' you described, Mr. Cole?"" Judge Miller’s voice cut through the room like a scalpel.
""Your Honor... context is required,"" Cole stammered. ""This footage was obtained without—""
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""This footage was taken inside my client’s lawful residence from a security camera protecting her child,"" Sarah Lin interrupted loudly. ""What this footage depicts is intentional child endangerment and false imprisonment orchestrated by Eleanor Vance.""
Judge Miller slammed his gavel with such force that the wood cracked. ""Petition denied with prejudice. And furthermore, I am referring this video to the District Attorney's office for criminal review.""
