Chapter 16 - THE CIVIC RENEGADE
The civil lawsuit officially went to court in the early spring,
drawing a massive crowd of journalists and spectators.
Eleanor Vance stood before the judge,
her opening statement cutting through the legal jargon like a scalpel.
She presented the viral video on a massive projector screen,
forcing the court to witness the brutality again.
Marcus sat at the defense table,
looking incredibly frail,
his expensive suit hanging loosely on his diminished frame.
He kept his eyes focused on the table,
unable to look at the jury or at me.
His defense team tried to argue that he was under immense professional stress,
claiming temporary insanity.
But Eleanor demolished their arguments easily,
calling the party guests to the stand one by one.
Under oath,
the wealthy associates admitted that Marcus routinely used physical intimidation to control his family.
They admitted they clapped out of fear,
and a desire to remain in his financial favor.
The testimony painted a damning picture of a tyrannical man who used his wealth as a weapon.
The jury watched in disgust,
their expressions signaling an immediate verdict.
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The trial lasted only three days,
moving quickly toward its inevitable conclusion.
