Chapter 9: A Voice from Beyond
"This is Catherine," the recording began, her voice delicate yet remarkably steady. "If this tape is being played, it means Victor has found my words. I want the world to know that Victor is a good man. He is a loving husband and a father who would give his life for his child."
Evelyn stood up abruptly from her seat. "Your Honor, this is irrelevant! This is an unverified recording—"
"Sit down, Mrs. Vance!" the judge commanded sharply, banging her gavel. "Continue."
The tape played on:
"Evelyn Vance threatened to destroy Victor's life using false documents if I did not leave. I left to save him. But I never stopped loving him. Every dollar Victor sent was kept by Evelyn while my daughter and I lived on modest earnings. I forgive Evelyn, because hatred is too heavy a burden to carry... but I ask the law to protect my daughter from the coldness of that house."
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The room was utterly silent. Several jurors and audience members were visibly moved. Victor looked at his mother. For the first time, Evelyn looked small. Her aristocratic composure had completely cracked, revealing the hollow, lonely reality of her actions.
The judge looked down at the documents, then at Evelyn, her expression stern and uncompromising. "Court will recess for two hours before I issue my final ruling."
