Chapter 2 – The Courthouse Steps
Two weeks later, both sides arrived at the Montgomery County Courthouse for an emergency hearing.
Reporters crowded the entrance.
Investors whispered behind sunglasses.
Richard walked beside Vanessa as though she already belonged at his side.
Khloe ignored them.
One hand rested gently over her growing baby.
The other carried a folder containing every piece of evidence Harrison had uncovered.
Vanessa stepped into her path.
"You should've accepted the settlement."
Khloe calmly replied,
"My daughter deserves better."
Vanessa's smile faded.
"Your daughter won't change anything."
"You've already lost."
Richard looked away.
He said nothing.
Khloe started toward the courthouse entrance.
Then she felt it.
Two hands slamming violently into her back.
The world disappeared.
Marble steps.
Sky.
Stone.
Pain.
Then darkness.
By the time Harrison reached the bottom of the staircase, his sister lay unconscious in a widening pool of blood.
He removed his jacket and pressed it beneath her head.
His fingers shook as he searched for a pulse.
"Stay with me, Khloe."
"Please..."
Above them, courthouse security officers had already sealed the entrance.
Every security camera had captured the assault from multiple angles.
Vanessa stared at the screens replaying her own crime.
Her knees nearly gave way.
She finally understood.
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This wasn't an accident anyone could explain away.
It was attempted murder.
