Chapter 13: Justice Served
Two months later, the gavel fell inside Courtroom 302 of the Federal District Court.
Judge Evelyn Miller peered over her glasses at Victoria Vance and Julian Cross. The courtroom was packed with journalists and former Sterling employees.
"For the crimes of attempted second-degree murder, wire fraud, grand larceny, and corporate conspiracy," Judge Miller proclaimed, "this court sentences you, Victoria Vance, to twenty-two years without the possibility of parole at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility."
Victoria collapsed into her chair, burying her face in her trembling hands as the sentence sank in. Her beauty had faded into hollow, bitter lines.
"And to you, Julian Cross," the judge continued, "for your direct role in the financial embezzlement and medical endangerment of Arthur Sterling, you are sentenced to eighteen years in federal prison."
Julian stood frozen, staring blankly ahead as federal marshals moved in to attach heavy iron chains around his ankles and wrists.
Elena sat in the front row of the gallery. She did not gloat. She did not smile. She watched with solemn dignity as the two individuals who had brought so much darkness were led through the heavy steel door behind the bench.
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Justice was not about revenge; it was about restoration. The poison was out of the system, and the balance had finally been returned.
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