Chapter 17 - Sentencing
Two weeks later, we returned to the courthouse for the sentencing phase.
The judge looked down from the bench, his expression etched in stone. He had zero sympathy for Julian Vance.
"Mr. Vance, your crimes represent the absolute worst of human nature," the judge declared. "You used your intellect to steal from innocent investors, and you used your physical power to terrorize the woman you swore to protect. You are a predator, plain and simple."
Julian wept, but no one in the room felt an ounce of pity.
"For the financial crimes, I sentence you to twenty years in federal prison," the judge continued. "For the domestic assault and extortion, I sentence you to ten years, to be served consecutively. You will serve a total of thirty years without the possibility of early parole."
Thirty years.
Julian’s knees gave out. The marshals had to drag him to his feet. As they hauled him down the center aisle toward the holding cells, he looked at Maya one last time.
May you like
"Maya, please!" he begged, his voice echoing in the large room.
Maya didn't even turn her head. She looked straight forward, completely ignoring his existence. The heavy wooden doors closed behind him, sealing his fate forever.
