Chapter 17 - Justice Served
The courtroom was dead silent as the jury foreman stood up to read the verdict.
"On count one, attempted first-degree murder, we find the defendant, Julianna Vance, guilty. On count two, conspiracy to commit murder, guilty."
The foreman read through all fourteen criminal counts. Julianna collapsed into her chair, sobbing hysterically as female bailiffs placed steel handcuffs around her wrists. She was sentenced to thirty-five years to life without the possibility of parole.
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Next came Daniel Mercer. He was found guilty on all counts, including corporate espionage and attempted murder conspiracy. The judge sentenced him to thirty years in a federal maximum-security prison, describing his actions as "the ultimate betrayal of legal ethics for pure corporate greed."
As the guards led the convicted criminals away, Michael turned in his seat and tightly embraced Rafael and Mateo. The long nightmare that had begun on a sunny pier was finally over. Justice had prevailed, and the truth had triumphed.
