Chapter 11
Claire's defense attorney stumbled through a weak closing argument, attempting to blame workplace stress and corporate pressure.
When Claire was given the opportunity to address the court, she stood up slowly with tears streaming down her hollow cheeks.
"I was just a pawn in a much larger game... the board promised me a partnership if I removed the Sterling lineage," Claire wept.
Judge Sterling looked down from the mahogany bench with eyes carved from absolute granite and zero sympathy.
"Greed and malice are choices, Ms. Vance, and you chose to execute a violent crime against an innocent mother and child," the judge stated.
The courtroom held its collective breath as the jury foreman stood up to deliver the official verdict on all twenty-two counts.
"Guilty on all charges of corporate conspiracy, attempted murder, and malicious assault," the foreman announced clearly.
The gavel came down with a sharp, echoing crack that signaled the definitive end of Claire's corporate career and freedom.
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SENTENCED TO FORTY YEARS WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE IN A FEDERAL PENITENTIARY.
Flashbulbs popped frantically as marshals escorted the weeping defendant out of the courtroom through the side exit.
