Chapter 10 - The Legal Battle LinesTwo weeks later, the local media was saturated with the news of the Vance family civil war.
The Story: The brilliant young tech founder ousted by his own mother in a shocking corporate takeover.
The Rumors: Accusations of financial elder abuse, physical assault, and secret trusts.
Daniel and Vanessa had managed to hire a predatory personal injury lawyer named Raymond Vance (no relation), who was working on a contingency basis, hoping to secure a massive settlement from the Sterling empire.
They sat in a small, cramped deposition room downtown, across from Katherine and Miriam Cole.
"Mrs. Vance," Raymond Vance said, leaning forward, trying to project an intimidating presence. "My clients are prepared to file a formal civil suit for malicious prosecution, unlawful eviction, and emotional distress. You have stripped a new mother and her child of their primary residence and their livelihood without due process."
Katherine sat perfectly still, her hands folded over her leather purse. She didn't look at the lawyer. She looked directly at Vanessa.
"Vanessa," Katherine said quietly. "Do you remember what you said to me in that hospital room?"
"I was in labor!" Vanessa lied smoothly, her face a mask of simulated innocence. "I was stressed, I was in pain. I didn't mean to push you. It was a misunderstanding. You’re using a minor slip to ruin our lives!"
"Miriam, please," Katherine said, gesturing to her attorney.
Miriam opened her laptop, turning the screen to face the table. She played the security video.
The footage was high-definition, capturing the exact moment Vanessa stepped forward, her eyes wild with disgust, her hand striking Katherine’s shoulder with enough force to send the elderly woman crashing to the floor. The audio was clear:
"Stay back, you filthy old woman! You’ll infect my son!"
The camera then panned to Daniel, who stood by the window, his arms folded, his face completely expressionless as he gave his wife a slow, approving nod.
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"This footage has already been reviewed by the state attorney's office," Miriam Cole announced to the silent room. "In light of the evidence, they are preparing to file formal charges for assault on an elderly person against Vanessa, and domestic complicity against Daniel. If you proceed with your civil suit, we will introduce this video into the public record. I don't think your venture capital friends will enjoy seeing the 'genius founder' watching his elderly mother being assaulted."
Raymond Vance looked at the screen, then at his clients. He slowly closed his notebook. "We... we may need to discuss our strategy in private."
