Chapter 6 - The Trial of the Century
The courtroom was packed with journalists, cameras, and curious onlookers.
Marcus Vance sat at the defense table, wearing a cheap, ill-fitting suit because he couldn't afford his tailor.
He looked ten years older, his hair unkempt and his arrogant posture completely gone.
I stood at the prosecutor's podium, looking directly at the jury.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this case is not just about stolen money," I began, my voice clear and unwavering.
"This case is about a man who believed that his wealth made him superior to the law."
"A man who taught his child that violence was acceptable as long as you could afford the silence of the victims."
I presented a mountain of undeniable evidence over the next two weeks.
I played audio recordings of Marcus bribing the headmaster to cover up Ashton's violent behavior.
I showed the jury the falsified incident reports and the illegal wire transfers.
The defense tried to paint Marcus as a misunderstood businessman targeted by a bitter ex-wife.
It was a pathetic, desperate strategy that failed completely.
When Marcus finally took the stand in his own defense, I cross-examined him without a single ounce of mercy.
"Mr. Vance, isn't it true that you offered me a ten-thousand-dollar check to keep quiet about my son's broken bones?" I asked.
"I was just trying to help with medical bills!" Marcus shouted, sweating profusely.
"You were paying for my silence," I corrected him loudly.
"Because you believe that every single person in this world has a price tag."
"But you miscalculated, Marcus."
"Justice does not have a price tag."
The jury deliberated for less than four hours.
They found him guilty on all forty-seven counts of fraud, bribery, and embezzlement.
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When the verdict was read, Marcus collapsed into his chair, weeping like a broken child.
I felt absolutely nothing for him.
