Chapter 2: The Witness Nobody Expected
Ethan's attorney requested a recess.
Judge Whitmore denied it.
"The Court will continue."
Margaret stood again.
"The petitioner calls Dr. Samuel Greene."
A silver-haired orthopedic surgeon walked into the witness box.
He recognized Claire immediately.
"I treated Mrs. Bennett several times."
"Were her injuries accidental?"
"No."
"How can you be certain?"
Dr. Greene looked directly at the judge.
"After thirty-two years of treating trauma patients... accidental injuries do not repeat in identical patterns."
He pointed toward enlarged X-rays.
"The rib fractures occurred from direct side impact."
"The wrist injuries were defensive."
"The shoulder damage came from being violently pulled."
The courtroom remained silent.
Then Margaret asked the question everyone feared.
"Doctor... did Mrs. Bennett ever tell you who caused them?"
"She whispered one sentence."
"What was it?"
"'If he finds out I talked... he'll destroy everyone I love.'"
Claire lowered her eyes.
She remembered saying those words.
She had believed them.
Until today.
May you like
Ethan stared at her in disbelief.
She had finally stopped protecting him.
