The judge entered. “We’ll hear from the minor witness now.”
Noah walked to the stand, small and scared. Eleanor stared at him. Daniel looked like he might be sick.
“Noah,” Sophie said gently. “Do you know why we’re here?”
“Yes. Lucia’s in trouble because Grandma said she stole something.”
“Did Lucia steal anything?”
“No.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I saw what really happened.” Noah’s voice was quiet but steady. “I woke up really late one night. I wanted water. I saw Grandma in the jewelry room.”
Eleanor stood. “This is absurd! He’s a child with an overactive imagination—”
The judge held up a hand. “Mrs. Aldridge, sit down.”
“She was holding something shiny,” Noah continued. “And she said, ‘Lucia will be an easy target.’ Then she saw me and told me I was dreaming.”
The courtroom erupted in whispers.
“But I wasn’t dreaming,” Noah said louder. “I remember because I was scared. Grandma never goes in that room at night.”
Hale jumped up. “Your Honor, this is clearly a coached testimony—”
“Did anyone tell you what to say today?” Sophie asked.
“No.”
“Are you lying to protect Lucia?”
“No. I’m telling the truth to protect Lucia.”
The judge leaned forward. “Noah, can you describe what your grandmother was holding?”
“It was red and sparkly. Like the ruby in the picture downstairs.”
“What picture?”
“In the hallway. There’s a painting of Great-Grandma wearing the ruby necklace.”
Sophie pulled out a photo. “This painting?”
“Yes!”
The judge studied the photo, then looked at Eleanor. “Mrs. Aldridge, I’m ordering a search of your private quarters.”
“You can’t—”
“I can and I will. If your grandson is lying, we’ll know soon enough. Court is adjourned until tomorrow.”
That night, police searched Eleanor’s office.
Daniel stood in the hallway, hands shaking. “Mother, tell me Noah’s wrong.”
Eleanor said nothing.
“Tell me you didn’t do this.”
“I did what was necessary.” Her voice was cold. “That woman was taking my grandson from me. She was replacing Elizabeth. Filling his head with ideas about loyalty and love when he should be learning about family legacy and responsibility.”
“So you framed her?”
“I removed a threat.”
Daniel’s face went white. “Where is it?”
“Where is what?”
“The ruby. Where did you hide it?”
Eleanor lifted her chin. “I don’t answer to you.”
Daniel pushed past her into the office. He knew every inch of this house. Within ten minutes, he found the false bottom in her desk drawer.