Chapter 35
The Verdict
The jury deliberated for less than four hours.
When the foreperson stood up to read the verdict, the tension in the room was suffocating.
"On the count of conspiracy to commit murder in the first degree, we find the defendant, Beatriz Valdés, guilty. On the count of attempted murder in the first degree, we find the defendant, Daniel Valdés, guilty."
The list of guilty verdicts went on, covering fraud, kidnapping, and medical malpractice. The judge did not show an ounce of leniency. He sentenced both Beatriz and Daniel to consecutive life terms in maximum-security federal prison, without the possibility of parole.
As the gavel slammed down for the final time, sealing their fates forever, Elena felt a massive, physical weight lift off her chest. She closed her eyes, exhaling a long, trembling breath.
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Alejandro was waiting for her outside the courtroom doors. He didn't say a word. He simply opened his arms, and Elena walked into them, burying her face in his chest as she finally let go of the fear she had carried for so long.
"It's over," Alejandro whispered, kissing the top of her head. "They can never touch you again."
