Chapter 5 - The Courtroom Execution
The Municipal Courthouse was packed with press and high-society onlookers by nine-thirty. Rumors had swept the city: Victoria Vale had been arrested for attacking a waitress, but the story was turning into an economic landslide.
At nine-forty-five, three black SUVs arrived. Dante Moretti stepped out, opening the door for Elena. She wore a tailored cream wool coat over a dark velvet dress, the silver locket resting openly against her throat. Flashbulbs exploded as security cleared a path.
Inside Courtroom 3B, Victoria Vale sat in an orange jumpsuit. Her hair was unwashed, and deep dark circles bruised her eyes. Nathan Vale sat beside her with his head in his hands.
When Elena entered alongside Dante, Victoria’s head snapped up. Horror washed over her face as she saw the woman she had called a servant sitting in the front row, flanked by armed guards.
The judge called the court to order. Victoria’s attorney stood up immediately. "Your Honor, my client is a pillar of this community. This was a minor restaurant dispute. We request immediate release on recognizance."
The prosecutor stood up with a fresh file. "Your Honor, the State moves to amend the charges. Overnight, federal agencies received indisputable evidence detailing Mrs. Vale's direct involvement in a twelve-million-dollar embezzlement scheme from her own charity foundation."
Gasping echoed through the gallery.
"We have also discovered Mrs. Vale attempted to board a private charter to Zurich late last night," the prosecutor added. "She is an extreme flight risk. We request bail be denied."
The judge slammed her gavel. "Motion granted. Defendant held without bail."
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Victoria thrashed frantically as officers grabbed her arms, screaming toward the gallery, "You did this to me! You're nothing! You're just a waitress!"
Elena stood up, looking down at her with calm detachment. "I was never just a waitress, Victoria. I was an auditor waiting for the right moment to balance the books."
