Beside him sat Vanessa Cole, Arthur's former wife, dressed in an elegant black suit. Behind them stood Mark Ellis, Arthur's longtime executive assistant, who had recently begun supporting Daniel's petition.
Arthur's attorney, Gregory Hale, barely spoke.
Every time the judge asked him a question, he seemed to struggle for an answer.
Judge Evelyn Carter studied the documents in front of her. The evidence presented that morning raised serious concerns about Arthur's ability to manage complicated financial decisions, but questions remained about whether the proposed guardianship was necessary and whether Daniel was the appropriate person to serve.
Daniel's lawyers insisted they had done everything required.
Arthur's side appeared unprepared.
Then the judge reached for her pen.
“I will issue a preliminary ruling concerning the immediate management of Mr. Whitmore's affairs—”
“I HAVE PROOF!”
The little girl's voice rang through the courtroom.
Everyone turned.
“I HAVE PROOF!” A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD GIRL SHOUTED IN COURT AS A BILLIONAIRE WAS ABOUT TO LOSE CONTROL OF HIS OWN LIFE.
