Chapter 8
Diane’s lawyer claimed she was misunderstood.
A strict grandmother.
Old-fashioned.
Overwhelmed.
Then prosecutors played the videos.
Not one.
Twenty-seven.
Diane yanking Lily by the wrist.
Diane locking snacks in cabinets.
Diane telling Lily, “Cry louder so Mommy can see what you do.”
Ryan filming.
Ryan directing.
Ryan saying, “No, get her face. The judge needs her face.”
The courtroom went silent.
I had thought I was prepared.
I was not.
Lily was not there.
Thank God.
I sat between Ava and my lawyer, Grace.
My hands shook so hard Grace covered them with hers.
“Breathe,” she whispered.
Diane stared ahead like the videos were not real.
Ryan looked down.
Coward.
When Detective Monroe testified about the inheritance, the motive became clear.
Ryan had planned a custody case.
Diane would testify I was neglectful.
Ryan would request control of Lily’s trust and the lake house.
Then he would sell the property “for Lily’s benefit.”
His benefit.
His mother’s benefit.
Never Lily’s.
During a break, Ryan approached me.
Security moved instantly.
He stopped.
“Emily, I never meant for her to get hurt.”
I stared at him.
“You planned pain and acted surprised when it hurt.”
May you like
He flinched.
Good.
