Chapter 4 - The Truth Unveiled
Within an hour, the courtroom proceedings were temporarily suspended. A court-appointed bailiff, accompanied by Adam Hamilton and two independent investigators, rushed to the Hamilton estate. They returned less than an hour later carrying the exact wooden dollhouse Idan had described.
In front of the entire court, the investigator popped open the concealed floorboard beneath the dollhouse's miniature attic.
Inside sat the dazzling, multi-million-dollar 'Star of Al-Rayan' necklace, nestled safely next to a signed financial ledger proving that Margaret Hamilton was facing massive gambling debts and had planned to fake the robbery to collect insurance payouts while framing the household help.
The courtroom fell into a stunned, dead silence.
Margaret sat frozen in her seat, her empire of manipulation crumbling around her in real-time. Thorne quietly packed his leather briefcase without uttering another word, realizing no amount of legal wizardry could save his client now.
The judge lowered his glasses, his gaze severe as he looked at Margaret before turning to Clara.
"Miss Vance, the charges against you are hereby dismissed with full prejudice," the judge stated firmly. "The court offers its deepest apologies for the ordeal you have suffered. Warrants for filing false police reports and insurance fraud are being issued immediately for Margaret Hamilton."
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Clara stood frozen, the heavy weight of the world lifting off her shoulders in a single breath. Tears of relief streamed down her face. Before she could even process the words, Idan grabbed her hand, squeezing it tight.
"See?" Idan whispered proudly, smiling through his tears. "I told you I'd protect you, just like you protected me."
