Chapter 7: The Trial’s Aftermath
By spring, the legal proceedings against Victoria reached their conclusion in the city’s High Court. Though Victoria attempted to negotiate a plea deal by claiming she was coerced by offshore criminal syndicates, the overwhelming physical and financial evidence preserved by Clara left no room for doubt.
Victoria was sentenced to twelve years in prison for grand larceny, extortion, and corporate fraud.
Dominic attended the final court hearing, sitting quietly in the back row of the gallery. When the judge read the verdict, Victoria looked back at him one last time, her eyes filled with bitter regret. But Dominic felt no triumph—only a quiet, profound sense of closure.
Upon returning to the estate, Dominic found Clara waiting for him in the courtyard, tending to the newly blooming white rose bushes near the entrance.
"It is done," Dominic said, standing beside her in the spring sunlight. "Julian’s name has been officially cleared by the court. The press has printed a full retraction."
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Clara closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep, shuddering breath. "Then he can finally rest."
"We both can," Dominic said softly, reaching out to gently touch her hand. Clara did not pull away.
