I pressed a key, and a certified bank signature card appeared on the screen.

Vanessa’s signature was clearly legible at the bottom of the document.

Vanessa leaned over and hissed something to her lawyer, her knuckles turning white against the polished wood of her table.

“This is a custody hearing, not a tax audit, Ms. Brooks,” Sterling argued, waving his hand dismissively.

“The financial fraud directly relates to the safety of the children, Your Honor,” I explained.

“Vanessa Caldwell used these stolen funds to pay off a private medical examiner and several household staff members to keep them silent.”

“Silent about what, Ms. Brooks?” Judge Vance asked, leaning forward over her bench.

“Silent about the physical abuse of Emma, Lily, Sophie, and Grace,” I said.

I brought up the medical files compiled by Dr. Amelia Hart.

“These are the pediatric records from last night’s emergency examination.”

“The children suffer from severe malnutrition, untreated lacerations, and signs of prolonged confinement.”

“Vanessa Caldwell kept them isolated in the north wing of the estate, locked away from their father and the outside world.”