Chapter 9 - The Final Verdict
Eight months later, the criminal trial concluded.
I didn't attend the proceedings. I had no desire to look at Julian's face ever again. But I did watch the sentencing on the live courtroom feed.
Julian Thorne, once the golden boy of Wall Street, stood before the federal judge in a baggy orange jumpsuit. He had aged ten years in eight months. He was gaunt, his hair was thinning, and the arrogance had been completely hollowed out of him.
Elena stood a few feet away, crying hysterically, her designer clothes replaced by standard-issue prison garb.
"Julian Thorne," the judge declared, his voice ringing with disgust. "Your greed is exceeded only by your arrogance. You attempted to bankrupt your own family to fund a fraudulent lifestyle. I sentence you to fifteen years in federal prison."
Julian closed his eyes, his shoulders shaking.
"Elena Rostova. For your active and willing participation in money laundering, I sentence you to eight years."
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Elena let out a piercing scream as the bailiffs grabbed her arms and dragged her away. Julian didn't even look at her. He just stared at the floor, finally realizing that the $250 million he had thrown away for her was a cheap price compared to his freedom.
I closed my laptop. The chapter was finally over.
