“My father recently lost a major lawsuit,” he said. “His wife filed for divorce. And my grandmother—Margaret Cross—left behind a trust fund worth $1.5 million. It’s for me.”
Gasps filled the courtroom.
“The money only becomes available if my father gains custody,” Lucas continued. “That’s why he’s here.”
Daniel Cross went pale.
Lucas closed his notebook.
“And I can prove it.”
The judge straightened. “Proceed.”
Lucas reached into his backpack and pulled out a thick folder.
“I spent the last three months at the public library,” he said. “The head librarian helped me look up public records.”
He handed documents to the judge: court filings, financial disclosures, archived articles.
“My father lost over two million dollars in legal disputes,” Lucas explained. “His divorce filing lists hidden assets. And my grandmother’s trust clearly states the custody condition.”
Daniel jumped to his feet. “This is ridiculous!”
Lucas calmly reached into his bag again—this time pulling out a small voice recorder.
“During your last visit,” Lucas said, “you said this when you thought I was asleep.”
He pressed play.
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