Chapter 22 - The Verdict
The jury deliberated for less than four hours.
When the foreperson stood up to deliver the verdict, the tension in the courtroom was so thick it felt difficult to breathe. I held my father’s hand under the table, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my ribs.
"On the count of felony assault in the first degree," the foreperson read, her voice echoing in the silent room, "we find the defendant... Guilty."
Marcus let out a choked, agonizing sob.
"On the count of false imprisonment... Guilty."
"On the count of wire fraud and corporate embezzlement... Guilty."
Count after count, the word "Guilty" fell like a heavy gavel, crushing the last remaining fragments of Marcus Sterling’s life. When the final verdict was read, the judge did not show an ounce of leniency.
"Mr. Sterling," the judge said, looking down at him with profound disgust. "You used your wealth and privilege to terrorize a woman and defraud her family. You are a predator of the worst kind. I am revoking your bail entirely. You will be remanded to the custody of the state pending sentencing."
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Two bailiffs stepped forward, hauling a weeping, broken Marcus to his feet. As they dragged him away toward the holding cells, he didn't look at me. He kept his eyes glued to the floor, finally understanding the true magnitude of his destruction.
I stood up, exhaling a long, shaky breath. The war was officially over. I had won.
