Chapter 24 - GRACE TELLS THE COURT WHAT EVA ACTUALLY DID
Grace testified.
Not as child psychologist.
As nanny.
“What was Eva’s relationship with Mara’s belongings?”
“She liked the locket. One photo by her bed. Sometimes the keepsake box.”
“Did she spend hours daily looking at them?”
“No.”
“Did she refuse attachment to Celeste?”
“No.”
“Did she call Celeste Mommy?”
“No.”
“Did anyone ask her to?”
Grace paused.
“Ms. Marlow suggested we should not discourage it if it happened.”
Reasonable.
Then:
“Did Ms. Marlow instruct you to change how you referred to Mara?”
“Yes.”
“What words?”
“She preferred Mara instead of Mommy.”
“Did Eva become confused?”
“She corrected me.”
“What did she say?”
“Mommy is Mommy.”
No courtroom drama needed.
Then Dr. Sanderson.
She testified only to her consultation.
Did she recommend erasing photographs?
No.
Replacing Grace?
No.
Stopping cemetery visits categorically?
No.
Changing therapist after wedding?
No.
She had warned against abrupt changes.
Then the organizer.
She believed Celeste had authority.
Had I personally approved destruction?
No.
Did Celeste ever tell her:
Alessio must not see this until after vows?
Not verbally.
But one message said:
Finish visible changes during honeymoon to avoid unnecessary emotional debate.
There.
May you like
Not crime.
Intent.
