Chapter 14 — Daniel Chooses His Mother
# The Glass of Orange Juice
## Chapter 14 — Daniel Chooses His Mother
The courtroom was crowded with reporters.
Victoria entered confidently beside her attorney.
She still believed Daniel would defend her.
Instead...
Daniel walked directly to his mother's side.
He helped Helen settle comfortably into her wheelchair.
Then he took Emma's hand.
"Thank you."
"For protecting my mother..."
"...when I failed to."
Emma began crying.
Across the courtroom, Victoria watched in disbelief.
Her attorney quietly whispered,
"This isn't good."
When Daniel took the witness stand, the judge asked a simple question.
"Mr. Brooks..."
"Who do you believe?"
Daniel looked toward Helen.
Then toward Emma.
Finally...
He turned to Victoria.
"I believe the people who never stopped protecting my family."
The courtroom became completely silent.
Victoria lowered her head.
She realized she had already lost.
Not because of the evidence.
Because she had lost Daniel's trust forever.
