But Courtney was already breaking.

She began to cry, her shoulders shaking violently.

“I didn’t want to do it,” Courtney sobbed, her voice echoing in the large room.

“Courtney, quiet,” Patricia hissed, grabbing her daughter’s arm.

Courtney pulled away from her mother’s grip.

“She made me do it!” Courtney screamed, pointing a shaking finger at Patricia. “She told me if I didn’t hit Hannah, she would cut me off financially! I did it! I hit her!”

Patricia stood up, her face twisted in rage.

“Shut your mouth, you stupid girl!” Patricia yelled.

The judge banged her gavel, the sound like a gunshot in the room.

“Order!” Judge Henderson shouted. “Bailiffs, restrain the defendants.”

Two bailiffs stepped forward, moving between Patricia and Courtney.

Courtney was slumped over the defense table, weeping loudly into her hands.

My father breathed out a long, slow sigh, his shoulders finally dropping an inch.

The prosecutor looked at me and gave a tiny, reassuring nod.

This confession had sealed their fate; there would be no escaping prison sentences for conspiracy and assault now.

I looked back at Ethan.