The Courtroom
Chapter 13 - The Courtroom
Grant accepted a plea agreement the following year.
The evidence showed attempted fraud, forgery, misuse of charitable funds, and unlawful access to trust records. The incident with Lily supported a separate protective order and child-safety finding.
Claire testified.
Grant’s attorney asked whether the stress of the gala affected her memory.
Claire answered calmly.
“My memory is supported by video, financial records, witness statements, and his signature beneath my father’s instructions.”
The attorney changed direction.
Grant apologized during sentencing.
He said fear made him desperate.
Claire believed he had been afraid.
The court ordered restitution, incarceration followed by probation, and permanent removal from fiduciary work.
The marriage ended without public warfare.
Afterward, Claire and Lily walked down the courthouse steps together.
A street vendor sold warm bread nearby.
Lily asked for a croissant.
Claire bought two.
May you like
They ate them in the sunlight.
No one told her to wait.
