Chapter 19 - The Verdict
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The courtroom was suffocatingly silent as Chief Judge Martinez entered the chamber, holding the final, bound verdict. The three defendants were ordered to stand. Beatriz shook so violently that her attorney had to physically support her by the elbow.
"After reviewing the overwhelming, incontrovertible evidence of severe financial fraud, international money laundering, and aggravated child endangerment," Judge Martinez began, his voice ringing with absolute, unforgiving authority. "This tribunal finds the defendants guilty on all counts."
Beatriz let out a pathetic, wailing cry, collapsing entirely against the wooden table.
"Sergio Delgado," the judge continued, looking down at the disgraced executive. "For orchestrating the corporate espionage and money laundering network, you are sentenced to eighteen years in a maximum-security federal penitentiary, without the possibility of early parole."
Sergio closed his eyes, his head dropping in total defeat.
"Carmen Navarro," Judge Martinez said, his tone turning noticeably colder. "For your role in the financial conspiracy, and the abhorrent, systemic physical and psychological abuse of a minor, you are sentenced to fifteen years."
Carmen opened her mouth to protest, but a swift, sharp glare from the bailiff silenced her.
"Beatriz Navarro," the judge finally turned to Alejandro's ex-wife. "As a mother, you had a fundamental, sacred duty to protect your child. Instead, you sold her safety for luxury and facilitated her torment. You are sentenced to twenty years."
The gavel slammed down with a thunderous, final crack.
"Court is adjourned. Bailiffs, remand the prisoners."
As the guards moved in to place the heavy steel shackles on the defendants, Beatriz turned her head, searching the gallery frantically until her tear-streaked eyes locked onto Alejandro.
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"Alejandro! Please!" Beatriz screamed as she was dragged toward the holding doors. "Tell them! Tell them I am sorry!"
Alejandro stood up slowly from the wooden bench. He buttoned his suit jacket, his expression completely blank, and turned his back on her, walking calmly out of the courtroom without a single backward glance.
