Chapter 21 - The Fall of Carter Empire
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The jury deliberated for less than thirty minutes.
When they returned to the courtroom, the foreperson stood up, reading the official verdict:
"On the charges of grand corporate fraud, arson, attempted murder, child endangerment, and witness intimidation... we find the defendants, Julian Carter and Victoria Vance, GUILTY on all counts."
Victoria let out a piercing shriek of horror, collapsing onto the floorboards as the bailiffs pulled her to her feet.
"No! This can't be happening! Marcus, save me!" Victoria wailed hysterically as heavy iron chains were secured around her ankles.
Marcus did not even look at her. He stood beside Elena, his hand gently resting over hers.
Julian Carter was sentenced to thirty years in federal prison without parole, while Victoria received twenty years at the Santa Marta state penitentiary.
As Victoria was led past the witness stand in chains, she paused for a brief second, leaning toward Elena with a cold, terrifying sneer.
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"You think you won, maid?" Victoria whispered with a chilling laugh. "You think Marcus loves you? You're just a replacement. The Apex Group is already coming for that child... and you won't be able to shield him next time."
Elena watched her get dragged away through the heavy steel doors, a cold knot tightening in her stomach.
