The Probate Room

The probate courtroom filled before nine.

Victims sat on one side. Donors sat on the other, though several switched sides after seeing Greta Sloane's face. Reporters lined the back. Martin and Greer appeared by video from separate holding rooms, which made both men look smaller and more expensive.

Elise sat between Roslyn and a court-appointed trust attorney named Nadine Park, who had introduced herself by saying, "I dislike family empires." Elise had trusted her on the spot.

Greer's lawyer argued first. He spoke beautifully about stability, fiduciary independence, and the danger of letting wounded family members control complex assets.

Nadine wrote one note to Elise: He means you are female and inconvenient.

Elise almost smiled.

Martin's lawyer joined in, claiming Vivian's amendment was tainted by fraud, coercion, and unstable intent.

Then Roslyn played the bank video.

Vivian's voice filled the courtroom: Martin Vale and Silas Greer.

Greer's video feed froze for one second. Martin's did not. He stared into his camera like he could still bend the room by will.

Nadine stood. "Your Honor, the proposed Greer receiver is tied to the same financial network named in the debt ledger and policy payout records. We request emergency appointment of a neutral forensic receiver, with Elise Hart granted limited records-access authority as successor beneficiary and claims liaison."

"Claims liaison?" the judge asked.

Nadine did not blink. "A plain title for the only person in this mess who can read a false claim without cashing it."

The courtroom murmured.

Greta stood without permission. "Your Honor, my husband's policy was stolen. I do not care who inherits Vivian Hart's desk. I care who opens the drawers."

The judge looked like she wanted to object to the interruption and agree with the sentence. "Sit down, Mrs. Sloane."

Greta sat.

June, between Claire and Ruby, raised her hand.

The judge pinched the bridge of her nose. "Is there a reason the teenager is volunteering?"

June said, "Because everyone keeps calling me an interested party like I am a chair. I want the account frozen until victims see it."

The judge stared at her, then nodded.

"So ordered," she said.