He approached the bench with the hospital records. The judge reviewed the documents, her expression unchanging. Sarah’s lawyer jumped up, objecting about chain of custody and document authenticity. Sarah’s composure cracked.
“Those documents are fake!” she shrieked, clutching the baby closer. “She forged them to steal my baby’s inheritance!”
“Your Honor,” Mr. Martinez continued calmly, “given these medical records show Mr. Wilson was sterile, we request a DNA test to establish paternity.”
Sarah’s smile was triumphant. “That’s impossible. James was an orphan, and his body was cremated. There’s no one to test against.”
“Actually,” Mr. Martinez said, gesturing to the gallery, “I’d like to introduce Elizabeth Parker—James Wilson’s biological mother.”
Elizabeth stood, and a murmur ran through the courtroom. Even from where I sat, I could see Sarah’s face turn ashen.
“I’m willing to submit to a DNA test,” Elizabeth announced clearly. “To determine if this child is my grandson.”
The judge nodded. “DNA testing is ordered. We’ll reconvene when the results are available.”
Sarah swayed slightly in her seat, all color drained from her face. Our mother rushed to support her, shooting me a venomous look. But for the first time since this nightmare began, I felt hope.
The courtroom was silent as the judge opened the envelope containing the DNA test results. Sarah sat rigidly in her chair, the baby sleeping peacefully in her arms, unaware of the drama unfolding around him.
“The results conclusively show,” the judge announced, her voice clear and firm, “that there is no genetic relationship between the minor child and Mrs. Elizabeth Parker. Therefore, it can be concluded that James Wilson was not the father of this child.”
A collective gasp filled the room. Sarah’s face crumpled as she began to sob, mascara running down her cheeks.
“Miss Thompson,” the judge’s voice had turned stern, “would you care to explain why you perpetrated this fraud upon the court?”
Sarah clutched the baby closer, her voice barely above a whisper. “I was seeing several men at the time. When James died and was cremated, I thought no one would ever know. He had money and I needed—”
“So you attempted to defraud your own sister,” the judge’s disapproval was palpable. “Used your parents as unwitting accomplices in this scheme.”