A collective gasp rippled through the courtroom, and Margaret’s face blanched, her composure slipping momentarily. Adam, who had been silent and seemingly indifferent throughout the trial, looked up sharply, his eyes locking onto his son’s. The tension was palpable as whispers spread like wildfire among the spectators.

Margaret tried to intervene, her voice shrill with panic, “Ethan, darling, you’re confused. You must be mistaken—”

“No, I’m not!” Ethan insisted, his voice clear and defiant. “Clara wouldn’t steal. She takes care of us because she loves us. She’s like family.”