attorney stood.

“Your Honor…”

But the recording continued.

Vanessa asked:

“What if Emma fights?”

Daniel laughed.

“She won’t have the money.”

Emma covered her mouth.

Her attorney placed a hand on her shoulder.

But there was one final sentence.

The sentence that changed the entire case.

Daniel’s voice said:

“By the time she realizes what we’re doing, it’ll be too late.”

The recording stopped.

Silence.

Complete silence.

---

PAGE 6 — THE TRUTH

Judge Whitaker slowly removed her glasses.

“Mr. Caldwell.”

Daniel said nothing.

“Did you make that recording?”

“No.”

“Do you