Chapter 16 - The Retrial Storm
The grand courtroom of the Federal District Court was packed to capacity three days later. Media cameras flashed continuously outside the marble steps, dubbed by the press as the "Montgomery Inheritance Siege."
Victor Montgomery sat at the defense table, flanked by four elite white-collar defense attorneys. He looked calm, serene, confident that his money and political influence would shield him from the storm.
Beside him, in an orange jumpsuit and wrist restraints, sat Evelyn.
The Federal Prosecutor stepped up to the podium. "Your Honor, the government calls its chief witness: Julian Montgomery."
A collective gasp echoed through the gallery.
Victor’s head snapped toward the side door as Julian was led into the courtroom by two federal marshals. Evelyn half-rose from her chair, her face contorting into rage. "Julian! What are you doing?!"
"Sit down, defendant!" the judge slammed his gavel.
Julian took the witness stand, avoiding his mother's death glare, and swore the oath.
For the next two hours, Julian’s voice echoed through the high-ceilinged courtroom, dismantling thirty years of Montgomery family lies. He detailed how Victor had instructed him to falsify corporate audits, how Evelyn had methodically administered small doses of Thallium to Arthur’s evening tea, and how Victor had promised to split the trust money once Lily was declared legally unfit.
Victor’s lead attorney jumped up. "Objection, Your Honor! This witness is a convicted arsonist making wild fabrications to secure a plea deal!"
May you like
"We have physical corroboration, Your Honor," the prosecutor announced calmly, placing a black flash drive on the evidence table. "Extracted directly from Victor Montgomery's private server during a federal raid executed two hours ago."
Victor’s calm facade shattered. His hand twitched violently against his silver pen.
