The tension between them was thick enough to feel across the room.

Vance sat down next to me and leaned in.

“The judge is going to rule on the emergency injunction regarding the estate first,” Vance whispered.

“The evidence of the forgery is overwhelming.”

“What about the accounts?” I asked.

“We have petitioned to freeze all of Ethan’s personal assets,” Vance said.

“Once the judge invalidates the transfer, the estate returns to you.”

“Ethan won’t have a dime left to pay his legal fees.”

I looked at the mahogany bench where the judge would soon appear.

My heart was beating fast, but my hands were steady.

The physical pain in my arm was a constant, throbbing reminder of what I had lost.

But the fog in my mind was gone.

For months, I had been the victim.

Now, I was the prosecution’s chief asset.

The bailiff stood up.

“All rise,” he announced.

Judge Albright entered from his chambers, his black robe rustling.

He took his seat and adjusted his glasses.

“Please be seated,” the judge said.

He looked down at the thick stack of documents on his desk.