Chapter 14 - The Final Verdict
The judge banged his gavel, demanding order in the courtroom as the jury handed over their decision. Julian squeezed Clara’s hand tightly.
"On the counts of kidnapping, identity theft, corporate espionage, and conspiracy to commit murder," the judge’s voice boomed, "we find the defendant, Isabella Vance, guilty on all charges."
Cheers erupted from the gallery. Isabella didn't even look up. She sat completely motionless, a hollow shell of the woman who had once tried to rule high society.
"Isabella Vance," the judge continued, glaring down from the bench. "Your crimes are of a deeply horrific and calculated nature. You stole a woman’s life and tortured her in her own home. I hereby sentence you to consecutive life sentences in a maximum-security federal penitentiary, without the possibility of parole."
Bailiffs grabbed Isabella by the arms, hauling her to her feet. As she was dragged down the aisle toward the holding cells, she passed Julian and Clara. She looked up, her eyes pleading for a single ounce of mercy.
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Clara didn't blink. She simply turned her head, looking away, dismissing Isabella from her reality forever.
Julian pulled Clara close, kissing the top of her head. "It's over," he whispered. "She's a ghost now."
