CHAPTER 7: THE COURTROOM
The trial was set for three months later.
My father—my stepfather—was being charged with fraud, conspiracy, and elder abuse.
My stepmother was being charged as an accomplice.
And I was the star witness.
I walked into the courtroom with my head held high.
I wasn't afraid anymore.
Because I had the truth on my side.
The trial was brutal.
My stepmother's lawyer tried to paint me as a bitter daughter seeking revenge.
My stepfather claimed he had only been protecting the family.
But the evidence was overwhelming.
The DNA test.
The documents.
The testimony.
And the video.
A video I had taken of my stepmother pushing my grandmother down the stairs.
My stepmother's face went white.
"That's not real," she screamed. "It's doctored."
"It's real," I said. "I took it. And I have the original file to prove it."
The jury deliberated for two days.
When they returned, the verdict was unanimous.
Guilty on all counts.
My stepfather was sentenced to ten years in prison.
My stepmother was sentenced to seven years.
And I walked out of the courtroom a free woman.
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Because I had finally found justice.
And I had finally found peace.
