Chapter 17 - Maya Takes the Stand
Three months later, Maya walked into federal court using a cane.
Her surgery scars still hurt.
Crowds filled the courtroom.
Celia sat at the defense table in a gray suit, expressionless.
Captain Reed avoided everyone’s eyes.
Robert looked older than forty-five.
The electrical injury had damaged his right hand permanently.
When Maya entered, he lowered his head.
Emily sat behind her daughter.
“You don’t have to do this,” she whispered.
Maya squeezed her hand.
“Yes, I do.”
On the witness stand, Maya described the pain, the private clinic, the false voice, and the moment her father told her not to upset her mother.
Celia’s attorney tried to confuse her.
“You were sedated, correct?”
“Yes.”
“So your memory may not be reliable.”
Maya looked directly at the jury.
“My memory is why I’m alive.”
The courtroom fell silent.
Lauren testified next.
She admitted impersonating Emily for money but explained that Robert threatened her when she tried to withdraw.
Forensic experts proved the consent videos were staged.
Dr. Lawson and Dr. Patel testified that Maya’s implant had no therapeutic purpose and could have killed her.
Then Robert took the stand.
He admitted choosing Maya because Celia needed a genetically healthy minor from a family that could be controlled.
“I told myself it was temporary,” he said. “The truth is, I valued my company more than my daughter’s safety.”
Emily watched Maya’s face.
She did not cry.
Robert identified six executives, two federal officials, and Captain Reed.
Celia finally lost control.
“He came to me!” she shouted. “He begged me to use the girl!”
Robert turned toward her.
“And you said children produced cleaner data.”
The jury heard a recovered recording confirming every word.
Celia’s face went white.
At the end of the day, the prosecutor revealed one final piece of evidence.
Maya’s implant had recorded audio during the procedure.
Robert’s voice played through the courtroom.
May you like
“If she wakes up, increase the sedative.”
👉 Maya had spent months wondering whether her father knew she might die, and his own recorded voice finally gave her the brutal answer.
