“I HAVE PROOF!” A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD GIRL SHOUTED IN COURT AS A BILLIONAIRE WAS ABOUT TO LOSE CONTROL OF HIS OWN LIFE.

Then she looked directly at the judge.
“My mom told me never to take things that don't belong to me. So I brought the whole thing here.”
She unzipped her purple backpack.
Inside was a small digital recorder, a folded sheet of paper, and an old photograph.
The color drained from Mark Ellis's face.
Arthur noticed.
So did the judge.
“Mr. Ellis,” Judge Carter said sharply, “do you recognize something in that bag?”
Mark opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Sophie lifted the recorder with both hands.
“This is why Mr. Whitmore shouldn't be taken away from his own life.”
The judge set down her pen.
“Bailiff, secure the courtroom. And someone please explain how this child came into possession of that evidence.”
Sophie pressed the recorder against her chest.
“Because the person who was supposed to protect him was helping someone else.”