CHAPTER 9
As the federal marshals stepped forward to attach heavy iron chains to the Vales' wrists and ankles, Adrian thrashed wildly, turning toward me with tears streaming down his face.
"Claire!" Adrian screamed, his voice cracking with pathetic, desperate agony as he was dragged toward the side exit doors. "Claire, please! Look at me! I loved you! I swear I loved you!"
I stood up slowly, smoothing down the front of my tailored jacket, looking at him with an expression of cold, absolute detachment that froze the breath in his throat.
"You didn't love me, Adrian," I said, my voice carrying clearly across the quiet courtroom. "You loved the money you thought you could steal from me. Enjoy your twenty-eight years."
Adrian wept hysterically as the heavy steel doors slammed shut behind him, sealing him away from the world of wealth and privilege forever.
Evelyn and Graham were led out right behind him, their heads bowed in total shame as news cameras flashed wildly through the glass partitions of the gallery.
Outside the courthouse, dozens of reporters swarmed the plaza steps, holding out microphones as I descended into the bright afternoon sunlight.
"Ms. Mercer!" a lead reporter called out. "How does it feel to finally have justice after everything the Vale family put you through?!"
I stopped on the top step, looking out over the crowd of journalists, city leaders, and supporters with a radiant, confident smile that illuminated my entire face.
"Justice isn't just about watching your enemies fall," I spoke clearly into the microphones. "Justice is about rebuilding your life stronger, wiser, and completely unbroken."
May you like
The crowd erupted into warm, thunderous applause as I walked down the granite steps toward my waiting armored vehicle, stepping gracefully into the luxurious interior.
Marcus handed me a glass of chilled champagne as the vehicle pulled smoothly away from the curb, merging into the vibrant flow of Manhattan traffic.
