The judge leaned forward. “Noah, can you describe what your grandmother was holding?”
“It was red and sparkly. Like the ruby in the picture downstairs.”
“What picture?”
“In the hallway. There’s a painting of Great-Grandma wearing the ruby necklace.”
Sophie pulled out a photo. “This painting?”
“Yes!”
The judge studied the photo, then looked at Eleanor. “Mrs. Aldridge, I’m ordering a search of your private quarters.”
“You can’t—”
“I can and I will. If your grandson is lying, we’ll know soon enough. Court is adjourned until tomorrow.”
That night, police searched Eleanor’s office.
Daniel stood in the hallway, hands shaking. “Mother, tell me Noah’s wrong.”
Eleanor said nothing.
“Tell me you didn’t do this.”
“I did what was necessary.” Her voice was cold. “That woman was taking my grandson from me. She was replacing Elizabeth. Filling his head with ideas about loyalty and love when he should be learning about family legacy and responsibility.”
“So you framed her?”
“I removed a threat.”
Daniel’s face went white. “Where is it?”
“Where is what?”
“The ruby. Where did you hide it?”
Eleanor lifted her chin. “I don’t answer to you.”