Chapter 9 - The Trial
Six months later, the New York County Courthouse was swarming with reporters.
The trial of Amanda Sterling and David Vance had become a national media sensation.
Billionaire CEO sister betrayed by her own blood.
A secret brother trying to steal a tech empire.
A mother forced to scrub floors in her daughter’s lobby.
It was the ultimate modern tragedy, and the public devoured every detail.
Caroline sat in the front row of the gallery, holding her mother’s hand.
Margaret looked healthy, radiant, and elegant in a tailored Chanel suit.
Amanda sat at the defense table, looking shockingly thin and pale.
The designer clothes were gone, replaced by a cheap gray prison uniform.
David sat next to her, staring blankly at the floor, totally defeated.
The jury deliberated for less than two hours.
The foreman stood up in the silent courtroom to read the verdict.
"On the charges of grand larceny, forgery, and elder abuse... we find the defendants guilty on all counts."
Amanda collapsed onto the table, sobbing loudly.
David didn't even blink as the judge handed down the maximum sentence.
Twenty years in federal prison for both of them, with no chance of early parole.
As the bailiffs led them away, Amanda turned back, looking at her mother with desperate, pleading eyes.
"Mom! Please! Tell them you forgive me!" Amanda cried out.
Margaret did not say a word.
She simply turned her face away, leaning her head on Caroline's shoulder.
Justice was harsh, but it was fair.
They walked out of the courthouse and into the bright New York sunshine.
The reporters flashed their cameras, asking Caroline for a statement.
Caroline stopped on the marble steps and looked directly into the lenses.
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"Never underestimate a woman trying to protect her mother," she said.
And with that, they stepped into their waiting car and drove away.
