Chapter 11 - THE COURTROOM WHERE THE TRUTH RETURNED
The civil case began the following year.
Bellmont Heritage Collections argued that the crystal had been lawfully acquired through the workshop sale.
Our legal team presented the acquisition agreement, inventory schedules, shipping records, and testimony from Sofia Marin.
The evidence showed that the collection had been removed before the fire and later recorded as Bellmont property.
The defense challenged the authenticity and interpretation of several documents.
But the contradictions were difficult to explain.
Vanessa testified.
She admitted approving an inventory transfer.
She claimed she had relied on instructions from senior management.
When asked whether she knew the pieces had been attributed to Lorenzo Bellini, she answered:
“Yes.”
When asked whether she had informed Adrian or Maya before displaying them at the wedding, she answered:
“No.”
The courtroom grew quiet.
I sat beside Eleanor.
My hands were trembling.
Then the judge asked Vanessa:
“Why did you not disclose the collection's origin?”
Vanessa hesitated.
“I didn't think it mattered.”
I closed my eyes.
Seven years.
My father's grief.
His lost work.
His final months.
And she had not thought it mattered.
The proceedings continued for several days.
When the judgment came, the court ruled in our favor on the ownership claim and ordered the collection returned, subject to the necessary arrangements.
I sat motionless.
Eleanor touched my arm.
“Maya.”
I looked at her.
“We won.”
I began to cry.
May you like
Not because I wanted revenge.
Because something my father had loved was finally coming home.
