CHAPTER SEVENTY SEVEN - The Battle for Control Begins

Judge Hawthorne nodded. "Very well. Mr. Pearson, you may present your opening statement." Pearson approached the jury box, his polished shoes clicking on the hardwood floor. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury," he began, his voice smooth and confident. "This case is about a family business and a brother who was wrongfully pushed out. My client, Dominic Montgomery, sought only to reclaim his rightful place in the family enterprise. The plaintiff, Lucas Montgomery, will try to paint my client as a saboteur, a man bent on destruction. But I ask you to look beyond these baseless accusations and see the truth - a man fighting for his birthright, for his family legacy." As Pearson continued his opening statement, Ella felt Lucas's hand tighten around hers. She glanced at him, seeing the tension in his jaw, the barely contained anger in his eyes. When Pearson finished, Sarah stood to deliver their opening statement. "Your Honor, members of the jury," she began, her voice clear and strong. "