Chapter Sixty-Seven

As Mr. Thomas calls Max to the stand, the courtroom falls into a hush of anticipation. The veteran lawyer knows how to put a witness through the wringer, and Max's body language betrays his nerves as he takes the stand.

"Mr. Wallace," Mr. Thomas begins in a tone that oozes with practiced authority, "you have provided us with quite a story. A story about a woman so consumed by jealousy that she resorted to poisoning her best friend. And you, Mr. Wallace, are the star witness in this little drama."

Max swallows hard, his eyes flickering around the room as if seeking an escape. Mr. Thomas leans in, his piercing eyes boring into Max's.

"I have to ask, Mr. Wallace, what makes you such an expert on Emily's innermost thoughts and motivations? How do we know that you're not the one with the axe to grind?"

Max's eyes widen in surprise, and he stammers for a moment before finally managing to get his words out.

"I-I don't have any kind of grudge against Emily. I'm just telling the truth."

"The t