Chapter 9: The Verdict and The Promise
"Will the defendant please rise," the judge commanded.
Victoria stood on shaking legs, clinging to her attorney's arm.
"On the count of Grand Larceny in the first degree, we find the defendant, guilty. On the count of felony Child Endangerment, we find the defendant, guilty. On the count of Kidnapping in the second degree, we find the defendant, guilty."
With every word, Victoria sank lower. There was no screaming this time. Just the silent, crushing weight of utter defeat.
The judge looked down from the bench with absolute disgust. "Victoria Sterling, you used your wealth to masquerade as a philanthropist while committing unspeakable acts of cruelty against your own flesh and blood. You stole this child's innocence to fund your vanity. I sentence you to twenty-five years in a maximum-security state penitentiary, with no possibility of parole."
The gavel slammed down like a gunshot.
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Arthur sat in the gallery, his face stoic. He felt no joy, only a profound sense of closure. The monster was finally caged. As the bailiffs led Victoria away in handcuffs, she looked back at Arthur one last time. There was no apology in her eyes, only the fearful realization that her life was over.
Arthur didn't say a word. He simply turned his back on her and walked out of the courtroom, stepping out into the bright, warm sunlight of New York City.
