Chapter 3 The Hearing

Laura’s POV

I woke up feeling weary, my body aching from the lack of sleep. I longed for more rest but was met with a series of phone calls. Today was a crucial day, and I had to make sure everything was perfect. The court hearing would determine my rightful place as the heiress of the Whitehood firm. I made preparations, reviewing the case files Audrey’s lawyer had meticulously gone through. Grandma was snuck out of the Whitehood villa under the radar, and now it was time to move. I walked to Grandma’s room to see it empty. Panic surged through me as I quickly checked the bathroom. She wasn’t there either. My heart raced. “Grandma, Grandma, where are you?” I called out, anxiety tightening its grip on me. I hurried down the hallway, my footsteps echoing off the walls. Reaching the kitchen, a cool breeze of relief washed over me when I saw her standing by the stove. “Grandma, what are you doing? You should have called me if you wanted something,” I said, walking towards her. She turned to face me, a gentle smile spreading across her wrinkled face. “Good morning, dear. Would you like a cup of tea? I made hot cocoa too. Amber loves hot cocoa.” Her voice was soft, filled with a warmth that made me momentarily forget the anxiety clawing at my insides. I smiled back at her, feeling a wave of affection. “The housekeepers aren’t here. Today’s their day off, so just tell me if you need anything, okay? I don’t want you to get hurt.” I reached out and took her hands in mine, feeling the delicate bones beneath her thin skin. “Oh, silly, it isn’t any trouble making tea. Amber and I would wake up every morning for a cup of fresh tea. She would drink the tea just so that I would finish my cup.” She giggled as she spoke, her eyes sparkling with the memory. “Grandma, was there a time Amber lived with you in the villa? You both woke up early every morning to make tea, right?” I asked, staring into her eyes, hoping to see a spark of recognition. “Oh dear, Amber didn’t stay at the villa. Robert wouldn’t let her. She stayed with me in New Orleans.” She said as she continued to pour tea into a teacup. New Orleans? I never knew Mom lived there. “Really? Did Dad stay there with you and Mom?” I asked, my voice cracking with emotion. “Yes, he did. Leonard never left Amber’s side. They were love birds.” She handed me a cup of warm cocoa, the steam curling up between us. “What happened, Grandma? Why didn’t Grandfather want Amber in the villa? Why did Leonard leave her?” I asked, but her face hardened. Placing the cup of tea on her lips, she turned away, the momentary clarity in her eyes fading. I stared down at the cup in my hands. I shouldn’t pressure her. What’s most important is today’s court hearing. I can ask her anything after that. I took a sip of the cocoa, and the sweet sugary taste filled my taste buds. “Umm, it’s really tasty. Thank you,” I said to her, and the smile on her face returned. We stepped into the courtroom, my arm linked with Grandma’s. Walking side by side, we passed Lucy and Vanessa. I could hear Lucy cussing under her breath, but I didn’t really care. My key to the company was right beside me. I glanced at my wristwatch. Audrey wasn’t here yet, and neither was the lawyer. “The judge will be in the courtroom soon,” the court attendant announced. Just as my anxiety reached its peak, Audrey and the lawyer entered the room, smiling sheepishly at each other. “Sorry I’m late. I got stuck in traffic,” Audrey said as he tried to sit beside me. “What do you mean traffic? It’s been over an hour since I called. Audrey, I expect a businessman of your caliber to be more punctual,” I snarled at him, moving to make space. “Shush…the hearing is about to start,” Grandma snapped at us. I glared at him with my eyes wide open. Time passed as the court proceedings went by. Audrey’s lawyer kept me in awe with his work. When it was time for Grandma to walk into the witness box, she hesitated. I felt her hand trembling in mine. “Calm down, Grandma. I’m right here with you.” I smiled at her and led her to the witness box. Vanessa’s eyes trolled me as I walked, her sharp gaze piercing my skin. I turned to meet her gaze, the anger in her eyes exciting me. Oh sweetheart, we are just getting started. I have a lot in store for you and your dearest mother. My lips curved into a smirk, a sign of immense satisfaction. Her frustration gladdened me. I walked back to my seat and could almost smell my victory. The beginning of my revenge. “Did you invite the media as I asked you to?” I whispered to Audrey. “Yes, I did. Stop worrying, it’s a clear case. Eric is pretty impressive; it will be over in no time,” Audrey said, smiling at me. “I’m not worrying. I don’t get nervous,” I said, avoiding his gaze. He chuckled and turned to the other side. It was time for the judge to give his verdict. I could hear my heart beating so much that I feared it was audible to others. I swallowed hard, trying not to show my anxiety. Sweat rolled down my back, and my jean jacket now seemed too tight. The air was stiff, and the room felt suffocating. “After hearing the proceedings from both prosecutor and defendant lawyers, I have made my final verdict,” the judge’s voice echoed in the room. It had been a long time since I felt this nervous. “In the case of Miss Laura tricking Mrs. Georgia Whitehood into transferring property into her name, I and this honorable court find Miss Laura Whitehood…” I clung to my floral dress, awaiting his final words.