Karen whispered, “No.”
“You’ve contested the will. You’ve called me senile. You’ve tried to take everything from Mila.”
The room went utterly silent. Patricia’s hand covered her mouth. Richard had gone pale.
“But I was never senile. I had cognitive tests every six months. Dr. Patterson has all the records. I was of sound mind until the very end.”
Grandma’s expression hardened.
“I recorded everything, Karen. Every time you demanded money. Every threat. Every forged signature. One hundred forty-seven videos over twelve years.”
Karen stood abruptly. “Turn it off. This is fake.”
Judge Morrison’s voice cracked like a whip. “Sit down, Mrs. Cole.”
Grandma’s final words played over Karen’s protests.
“You’re going to drop this lawsuit. You’re going to leave Mila alone. And you’re going to pray she’s merciful enough not to press criminal charges.”
The screen went dark.
Karen stood frozen, her perfect composure shattered like dropped crystal.
“Your Honor,” Harold said, “with your permission, I’d like to show one additional video from the collection. This one is dated March 15, 2018.”
Judge Morrison nodded. “Proceed.”
The screen lit up again.
Grandma’s living room. Karen leaning over her, face twisted with impatience.
“Sign the check, Mother.”
“Karen, this is seventy-five thousand dollars.”
“I know what it is. Sign it.”
The room watched Karen on screen threaten her own mother. Watched her invoke me as a weapon. Watched Grandma’s hand tremble as she picked up the pen.
When it ended, no one moved.
Aunt Patricia stood slowly from her seat against the wall. Her face was ashen.
“Karen.” Her voice cracked. “What did you do?”
Karen whirled toward her sister. “Patricia, don’t. It’s taken out of context.”
“Out of context?” Patricia’s voice rose. “You were threatening her. You were using Mila to-”
“Richard was in trouble. I had no choice.”
Richard stood abruptly. “Don’t bring me into this.”
“Into this?” Karen spun on him. “This is your fault. Your gambling, your debts-”
“My fault?” Richard’s voice cracked. “I didn’t know you were taking this much. Two million, Karen. Two million.”
