The Trial Begins
Eight months later, the criminal trial of The State v. Lillian Vance commenced under intense media scrutiny.
The courtroom was packed every morning. The prosecution presented an airtight case: digital evidence, forensic analysis of the IV equipment, financial audits showing Lily’s secret debts, and damning testimony from the hospital staff.
When Dr. Bennett took the stand, he testified with clinical precision.
"The dosage entered into that machine was not an accident," Dr. Bennett stated, looking squarely at the jury. "The override required a four-digit emergency medical sequence that was found written in Mrs. Vance’s private notes. It was a fatal dose."
The defense tried desperately to argue diminished capacity and stress, but their arguments withered under cross-examination.
On the fourth day, the prosecution called Nate to the witness stand.
Nate took the oath, his voice resonant and steady. He recounted the evening of the blizzard—the cold hallway, the look of terror in his daughter’s eyes, and the chilling words Emma had whispered: Don’t make her mad.
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"Did you ever see any sign of remorse from the defendant?" Marcus asked.
"Never," Nate answered, looking straight at the jury. "True remorse seeks to protect the innocent. Lily sought only to protect herself."
