Chapter 16 - Blood is Thicker Than Fraud
The jury filed back into the box, twelve solemn men and women avoiding eye contact with the defendant. The foreperson, a middle-aged woman with a stern expression, handed the official verdict forms to the bailiff, who passed them up to Judge Alistair.
The judge scanned the papers, his expression impassive. He handed them back to the clerk.
'Has the jury reached a verdict?' Judge Alistair asked.
'We have, Your Honor,' the foreperson replied clearly.
'On Count One: Grand Larceny in the First Degree?'
'Guilty, Your Honor.'
'On Count Two: Interstate Wire Fraud and Embezzlement?'
'Guilty, Your Honor.'
'On Count Three: Forgery and Probate Identity Theft?'
'Guilty, Your Honor.'
'On Count Four: Felony Domestic Endangerment?'
'Guilty, Your Honor.'
'On Count Five: International Racketeering Conspiracy?'
'Guilty, Your Honor.'
Count after count. Guilty on every single charge.
Diane slumped back in her chair, her face draining of all color as the reality of her total defeat crashed down upon her. Her mouth moved silently, but no sound came out. The great matriarch, who had ruled her family through fear, manipulation, and financial control, was finished.
Harrison Sterling stared blankly at his desk, whispering apologies into the air that nobody heard.
Judge Alistair looked down from the bench, his voice echoing with absolute authority through the silent courtroom.
'Diane Vance, you have been found guilty by a jury of your peers on multiple felony counts involving severe fraud, forgery, and endangerment. Given the premeditated nature of your crimes and your utter lack of remorse, sentencing is scheduled for next Friday morning. Until then, remand to maximum security holding with no possibility of bail.'
The bailiffs stepped forward immediately. Diane didn't fight them. Her spirit was completely broken as they slapped heavy cuffs on her wrists and led her away through the side door, never once looking back at her family.
As the courtroom emptied, Emily turned to me, her eyes shining with unshed tears of relief.
May you like
'It's over, Ethan,' she whispered.
'It's over,' I agreed, pulling her close in a warm, protective embrace. 'We finally won our lives back.'
