Chapter 31 - The Verdict
The jury deliberated for less than four hours.
When the foreperson stood up to read the verdict, the tension in the courtroom was suffocating. Teresa sat rigidly, her manicured nails digging into the wooden table.
"On the charge of attempted murder in the first degree," the foreperson read, her voice echoing clearly. "We find the defendant... Guilty."
Teresa gasped, her eyes widening in absolute shock as if she truly believed her wealth would miraculously save her.
"On the charge of fetal endangerment and aggravated assault... Guilty."
The judge, a stern woman with zero tolerance for aristocratic privilege, did not hesitate during sentencing.
"Teresa Valdés," the judge stated, looking down at the disgraced matriarch. "You used your wealth to manipulate, control, and ultimately attempt to extinguish the life of an innocent woman and her unborn child. Society has no place for your profound cruelty."
The gavel struck the block with a definitive, thunderous crack.
"I sentence you to life in a federal penitentiary, without the possibility of parole."
Teresa collapsed into her chair, burying her face in her hands as she finally realized her life was over. She would die in a concrete box, stripped of her name, her power, and her freedom.
As the bailiffs hauled her away in handcuffs, Daniel didn't feel a shred of pity for the woman who had given birth to him. He only felt an immense, overwhelming sense of closure.
He turned to Valeria, wrapping his arm around her shoulder as they walked out of the courthouse and into the bright, warm sunlight.
May you like
"It's over," Daniel said, taking a deep breath of the fresh city air. "It is finally, completely over."
"Yes," Valeria smiled, resting her head against his shoulder. "Let's go home, Daniel. Sofia is waiting for us."
