Chapter 10 - The Verdict
The jury deliberated for less than six hours.
When we were called back into the courtroom, the tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife.
I sat next to Victoria, my scarred hands clasped tightly together in my lap.
Julian stood up, his expensive defense attorney standing beside him, looking distinctly nervous.
The judge asked the foreperson if they had reached a verdict.
"We have, Your Honor," the foreperson replied, handing a folded piece of paper to the bailiff.
The judge read the paper in silence, his face giving absolutely nothing away before handing it back to the clerk to read aloud.
"On the charge of wire fraud, we find the defendant, Julian Sterling, guilty."
A collective gasp echoed through the gallery.
"On the charge of identity theft, we find the defendant guilty."
Julian’s knees buckled slightly, his lawyer having to grab his arm to keep him upright.
"On the charge of grand larceny, we find the defendant guilty."
"And on the charge of reckless endangerment resulting in grievous bodily harm, we find the defendant guilty."
The gavel slammed down, finalizing the destruction of Julian’s life.
He broke down sobbing, burying his face in his hands, looking for his father in the crowd.
But Robert had already stood up and walked out of the courtroom, unable to watch his son be led away in handcuffs.
I let out a breath I felt like I had been holding for months.
It was over.
Justice had been served, and the nightmare was finally coming to a close.
May you like
Victoria turned to me and smiled, squeezing my shoulder gently.
"You did it, Elena," she whispered.
