Chapter 7 - The TrialThe courtroom was full for weeks.
Victor maintained that Elena consented to alternative embryo procedures.
The signed documents said so.
Then handwriting experts testified.
Forgery.
Digital metadata showed consent uploaded after the procedure.
Rebecca testified.
Gabriel testified.
Elena testified last.
Victor’s attorney tried to destroy her.
“You remained married to Victor for four years.”
“Yes.”
“You enjoyed wealth.”
“Sometimes.”
“You attended galas.”
“Yes.”
“You lived in a mansion.”
“Yes.”
“Yet now you describe yourself as controlled?”
Elena looked at him.
“A beautiful cage is still a cage.”
Silence.
Then prosecutors played ballroom footage.
Victor gripping her wrist.
Noah crying.
The champagne tower.
Victor:
Finish the entire tower. Then I’ll let you go.
The jury watched.
Then Elena’s refusal.
Then the doors opening.
Gabriel entering.
Victor’s face changing.
No interpretation required.
Victor was convicted on the major counts.
The medical crimes ensured decades.
At sentencing, he looked at Elena.
“I loved you.”
She believed he believed that.
“That wasn’t enough.”
He frowned.
Elena continued:
“You loved having me.”
May you like
“That isn’t the same thing.”
Victor finally looked away.
