Fractured Bonds

10 -Emma (Part Four)

Contd from Three Years Ago.

Within the hour, I was in Judge Clayton's chambers, along with Mr. Smith. I presented the new information succinctly. "Your Honor, we have a new witness, Dr. Nathan Williams, the first son of Mr. and Mrs. Williams. He has crucial information regarding Mrs. Louise Williams, his mother, and his father's intentions before his death. We believe his testimony is vital to the case."

Judge Clayton looked thoughtful. "Mr. Smith, do you have any objections to this new testimony?"

Mr. Smith frowned but shook his head. "No objections, Your Honor. However, I would like to review the details before the testimony is presented in court."

Judge Clayton nodded. "Very well. Dr. Williams' testimony will be allowed, but both parties will have the opportunity to review and prepare accordingly. Court will reconvene tomorrow at 9 AM."

As we left the judge's chambers, I felt a renewed sense of determination. This new testimony could be the turning point we needed. Now, it was up to us to present it effectively.

The next day, the courtroom was filled with a tense anticipation. Judge Clayton took her seat, and the proceedings began promptly at 9 AM.

Louise looked horrified as Nathan entered the room.

"Dr. Nathan Williams, please take the stand," the bailiff announced.

Nathan walked to the witness stand, his expression a mix of resolve and apprehension. After being sworn in, he began his testimony.

"Dr. Williams," I began, "Can you please explain the nature of the conversation you had with your father before his death?"

Nathan took a deep breath. "My father was increasingly frustrated with my mother's behavior. He confided in me that he was planning to get her the help she required, even though he intended to divorce her. He believed that her tantrums were a sign of deeper issues that required professional treatment."

The courtroom was silent, everyone hanging on Nathan's every word.

"And was anyone else present during this conversation?" I asked.

"Yes," Nathan replied. "My brother Nicky was also on the call. We both heard our father express his concerns and his plans."

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words. "Can you tell us why, you believe, your mother, Mrs. Louise Williams, is suing Mike?"

Nathan's expression hardened. "My mother is suing Mike out of spite. Dad cut her out of his will, leaving her with only the money she had earned herself. She has nothing else. I felt it was my duty to inform Mike about this, even though dad's death was partially his fault due to not ordering the necessary tests in the chaos. Also, my mother was fully aware that my father was planning to divorce her."

There was a murmur in the courtroom as Nathan's words sank in. I turned to the judge. "Your Honor, this testimony is crucial in understanding the motivations behind Mrs. Williams' actions and the context of this suit."

Judge Clayton nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you, Dr. Williams. Mr. Smith will now have the opportunity to cross-examine the witness."

Arthur, the opposing counsel, stood up and approached the witness stand. "Dr. Williams," he began, his tone measured, "Why did you decide to come forward with this information now? Why not earlier?"

Nathan shifted slightly in his seat. "I came forward now because I realized the importance of the truth in this case. My father's intentions and my mother's actions needed to be clarified. I couldn't let my mother's spiteful actions go unchecked, especially when they were based on false pretenses."