“Ms. Vance?” the judge asked.

I stood.

“The defense maintains that the will is valid. The burden of proof rests with the plaintiffs. I will wait for their evidence.”

Sterling smirked.

He thought I did not know how to argue.

He did not realize I was saving every word.

My mother testified first. She cried on command, telling stories about how close she had been to Nana Rose. I knew those stories were false. I had been the one sitting beside Nana on holidays while she cried because her son had not called.

“Elena has no career,” my mother said, wiping dry eyes. “She disappears for months. We don’t know where she goes. She has no stability. She clearly needed the money.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Vance,” Sterling said gently. Then he turned to me. “Your witness.”

I stood.