— Ha! — the mother-in-law whispered, leaning toward him. — In an hour this house will be ours. The judge is on our side, I’ve already arranged everything.

They exchanged a look, certain that victory was already in their pocket.

When the judge entered the courtroom, he cast a routine glance toward the plaintiffs — where the mother-in-law and her son sat smirking. But the moment his eyes landed on the young woman — the defendant — he froze, slowly removed his glasses, and almost whispered:

— Oh my God… it’s you.