Chapter 10
The federal trial of the century commenced on a crisp Monday morning outside the Southern District Court of New York.
Thousands of journalists, financial analysts, and television crews crowded the courthouse steps to capture the high-profile defendants.
Claire Vance was led out of a federal transport van in an orange jumpsuit, her head bowed low to avoid the blinding camera flashes.
She no longer looked like the polished, haughty corporate rival who had arrogantly walked through Marcus's living room doors.
Inside the packed courtroom, Judge Sterling presided over the bench with stern, unyielding judicial authority.
Marcus and Elena sat in the front row of the gallery, presenting a united front of unbreakable strength and resilience.
Prosecutor Thorne stood before the jury box, playing the high-definition audio-visual footage captured by the ceiling security camera.
The crystal-clear recording of Claire shoving Elena into the glass table echoed through the silent courtroom speakers.
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Jurors gasped in absolute shock as they watched Claire immediately switch her demeanor to fake, manipulative vulnerability.
"The evidence before this court is irrefutable and absolute," Thorne declared, pointing directly at the defense table.
