Chapter 9 - The Verdict
The jury deliberated for less than three hours.
When the foreperson stood up to read the verdict, the tension in the room was suffocating.
"On the charge of Aggravated Assault in the First Degree, we find the defendant, Chloe Vance... Guilty."
Chloe let out a blood-curdling shriek. She collapsed into her chair, sobbing hysterically as the bailiffs moved in with the handcuffs. Uncle David shouted at the judge, resulting in him being held in contempt of court and dragged out of the gallery by security.
The judge did not show an ounce of mercy during sentencing. Citing the viciousness of the attack and her complete lack of remorse until she was caught, he sentenced Chloe to eight years in a state penitentiary, with no chance of early parole.
Two weeks later, Victoria Sterling dropped the civil suit hammer.
Facing complete financial ruin and the threat of criminal charges for their complicity in the historical abuse (thanks to Grandpa's journals), my mother and Uncle David settled out of court. They surrendered virtually all their liquid assets to me, totaling over four million dollars.
My mother tried to approach me in the courthouse parking lot after the papers were signed. She looked aged, broken, and entirely alone.
May you like
"Clara," she whimpered, reaching a hand out.
I didn't stop walking. I got into my car, locked the doors, and drove away without looking back in the rearview mirror.
