Chapter 25 - The Night Court Opened
Malcolm’s document contained photographs, fingerprints and Rebecca’s signature.
Rebecca denied signing it.
The judge ordered an immediate forensic review but refused to stop the hearing.
Malcolm called Adrian as his first witness.
Adrian testified that Victor had confessed Elise was an impostor. He produced recordings of Victor discussing the Registry during college.
Victor was brought into court in restraints.
Ava asked whether he had married Elise under Malcolm’s orders.
“Yes,” Victor said.
The courtroom erupted in whispers.
Ava continued.
“Did you discover that she was not the original Elise Ward?”
Victor looked at Elise.
“I discovered there was no original Elise Ward.”
He explained that the Registry’s power depended on convincing victims that one version of them was more legitimate than another.
Elise, Nora, Amelia and Ava had all been children without surviving records. None had stolen another’s life.
Malcolm had divided them so they would fight for the right to exist.
Victor then confessed to forging dozens of identities.
He named officials, attorneys and physicians.
Ava placed the Orchard archive into evidence.
Malcolm remained calm.
“None of that proves which woman controls the trust.”
The judge agreed.
The trust document required a single verified beneficiary.
Nora stood from the gallery.
“Then the trust is fraudulent.”
She produced the three hospital bracelets and Samuel’s ledger.
The certificate number had been assigned after the real Ward infant died.
No living beneficiary could legally inherit.
Malcolm’s claim to the money began collapsing.
Then the forensic analyst entered.
Rebecca’s signature on the adoption file was genuine.
Rebecca stared at the document.
“I never signed that.”
May you like
Malcolm smiled.
“You did,” he said. “You simply do not remember which girl you chose.”
