Chapter 4: Vanessa's Last Gamble
Richard accepted responsibility almost immediately.
Vanessa didn't.
She blamed everyone except herself.
She claimed Elena had manipulated my mother.
She insisted the videos had been edited.
She even accused me of creating the entire situation to avoid dividing our property.
But digital forensic experts verified every recording.
Nothing had been altered.
Every timestamp matched.
Every backup matched.
Every encrypted file proved authentic.
The trial lasted only five days.
Former neighbors testified they had often heard my mother crying.
Medical specialists confirmed months of neglect.
Bank investigators uncovered over two million dollars hidden inside shell accounts controlled by Vanessa and Richard.
When the verdict was announced, Vanessa finally looked at me.
For the first time...
There was no anger.
No manipulation.
Only regret.
"I loved you," she whispered.
I looked at her quietly.
"No."
"You loved what I could give you."
She lowered her head.
May you like
The courtroom remained silent.
She had no answer.
