Chapter 10: The Deposition of Arrogance
On March 14, the mandatory pre-trial deposition took place in the federal courthouse in Providence.
Evelyn Sterling sat at the defense table in a dark grey designer suit, flanked by four senior defense litigators. Her haughty socialite armor had begun to crack; her face was pale, her hands trembling as she clutched a glass of water.
Tess Nolan sat opposite her, wearing a simple, tailored navy blazer and a white silk blouse, holding herself with magnificent, serene composure.
When Evelyn’s lead attorney attempted to cross-examine Tess, suggesting that she had ""provoked a misunderstanding by lingering near private guest belongings,"" Tess did not flinch.
She looked directly into Evelyn’s eyes.
""I was doing honest work, Mrs. Sterling,"" Tess testified, her voice clear, calm, and carrying an unshakeable moral weight. ""I was carrying glasses to support my brother. You wore a half-million-dollar dress and a diamond necklace, but you had to steal from your own purse and strike a twenty-two-year-old girl to feel powerful. Real class isn't bought in a boutique. It's how you treat people who cannot fight back.""
Evelyn buried her face in her hands, letting out a broken, humiliated sob as her attorneys looked down at their legal folios in defeat.
May you like
Presiding Judge William Harrison banged his gavel. ""The video evidence is conclusive. Bail is revoked. The defendant will remain in federal custody pending sentencing.""
---
