Chapter 9 - The Trial Begins
Three months later, the preliminary hearing convened at the federal courthouse downtown.
The courtroom gallery was packed with news cameras, high-society figures, and financial analysts tracking the fall of Ryan Vance.
Ryan sat at the defense table in a navy blue prison jumpsuit, his hands restrained by iron waist chains. His stubble had grown into a ragged beard, and his eyes were hollow with desperation.
Across the room sat Isabella, sitting beside her father in the front row, wearing an elegant dark grey dress, looking unshakeable.
The lead prosecutor called Luca to the witness stand. Luca adjusted his glasses and opened a digital exhibit folder projected onto the large courtroom screens.
"Your Honor," Luca testified calmly, "we submit into evidence forensic digital records, audio surveillance logs, and chemical analysis reports proving that Mr. Vance systematically poisoned his wife while forging corporate documents to seize her birthright."
The courtroom erupted into collective gasps.
Ryan jumped up from his chair, his chains rattling loudly. "That's a lie! She's framing me! She was crazy!"
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The judge slammed his gavel down hard. "Sit down, Mr. Vance, or I will have you gagged!"
👉 Read PART 10 to see Vanessa take the stand against Ryan!
