Chapter 18 - Under Oath
"Yes," Emily told Ava. "But not from a courtroom bench. I'm still recovering from surgery."
The judge permitted a secure video appearance after confirming her identity and giving both sides a chance to object. Dr. Chen approved the brief session with breaks as needed. Raymond sat outside the frame. Emily wanted to be seen on her own.
Preston appeared on the opposite screen in a fresh navy suit, tie straight, hair immaculate. She knew he'd chosen that look because it made people think he had answers. She also noticed he wasn't wearing his wedding ring.
His lawyer began carefully. Had Emily been emotional during pregnancy? Had she questioned her husband's management? Had she recently learned of financial pressures she didn't understand?
"I was emotional when my daughter nearly died," Emily said. "That doesn't mean I don't understand an audit."
"You delegated business operations to your husband, correct?"
"Yes. I never delegated ownership."
"And you trusted him?"
"I did. That was a personal mistake, not a transfer of shares."
Rebecca testified next, explaining what she saw in the hallway and denying the false affidavit attributed to her. Miles provided the audit records through the independent examiner. Ava introduced the unaltered elevator clip, the medical observations, and the dated copy of the original trust.
When the image of Vanessa's kick appeared, Preston stared down at his hands. The judge watched the video twice.
"Mr. Whitmore," the judge said, "your petition describes a fall. Is that still your position?"
"I wasn't looking directly at them," Preston answered.
Emily's stomach turned. He had been standing beside Vanessa. Even now, with the truth on a screen, he reached for the smallest possible lie.
Ava stood. "We also have an audio recording relevant to intent. The person who made it has consented through counsel to its preservation and use for this hearing."
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Preston's lawyer objected, and the judge ordered a short recess to review the foundation and authenticity. Outside, Ava's phone rang. It was Vanessa's attorney.
"There's a problem," he said. "My client left our meeting. Her phone is off. I don't know where she is."
