Chapter 16 - The Verdict
The jury deliberated for a remarkably short period of time before reaching a final decision.
The courtroom was completely silent, tense with anticipation as the jury foreman stood up.
Arthur stood at the defense table, grasping the edge of the wood so tightly his knuckles were completely white.
The foreman read the verdicts loudly and clearly for the entire room to hear.
Guilty on all counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy.
Arthur’s knees completely buckled, and he collapsed back into his chair, staring blankly at the wall.
The judge did not waste any time moving straight to the brutal sentencing phase.
"Arthur Sterling, you have shown absolutely zero remorse for the lives you have ruined," the judge stated sternly.
The judge sentenced Arthur to thirty-five years in a maximum-security federal penitentiary.
It was an absolute, undeniable life sentence for a man of his advanced age.
Julian, due to his cooperation, received a much lighter sentence of five years in a minimum-security facility.
The heavy gavel slammed down, finalizing the total destruction of the Sterling dynasty.
Armed federal marshals stepped forward and dragged Arthur away in heavy chains.
He looked back at the gallery one last time, his eyes finally meeting mine.
May you like
I gave him a slow, mocking smile and a tiny, sarcastic wave goodbye.
The monster was finally locked in a cage where he could never hurt another woman again.
