All of it had been deliberate, careful preparation designed to destroy her piece by piece. She understood that horrific reality now in the clear way you understand something that was always true once the thick fog finally clears away.
Bianca stood up abruptly, knocking her purse off the table. “This is completely ridiculous, and I am certainly not going to sit here while a little brat tells lies about me!”
“Bailiff, secure the room,” the judge ordered sharply.
The bailiff moved forward instantly, forcing Bianca to sit back down in her chair.
Judge Barrett turned her intense gaze back to Penelope. “Mrs. Albright, did you have any knowledge whatsoever about legal documents being hidden inside your home?”
“No, Your Honor, none at all,” Penelope answered softly, her hand still trembling on her belly.
Gabriel leaned toward his lawyer to conduct a rapid, frantic exchange of low whispers while unmistakable fear finally showed in his eyes.
