Chapter 18 - THE COURTROOM BATTLE
The federal courthouse at Foley Square was surrounded by hundreds of news trucks and angry protesters holding signs demanding justice. The public gallery of Courtroom 402 was packed to maximum capacity as Evelyn Sterling was led inside in leg irons.
She wore a dark grey prison jumpsuit, her blonde hair unwashed and her face stripped of all makeup. She refused to look at the crowd, her eyes fixed firmly on the wooden table before her.
Maya sat in the front row of the gallery, wearing a sharp navy suit, her red hair tied neatly back to show her healing face. Beside her sat Officer Wright, who had been reinstated as head of corporate security for the newly reformed Vance Enterprises.
"All rise for the Honorable Judge Marcus Vance," the bailiff called out in a booming voice.
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The judge took his seat, looking down over his spectacles at the disgraced socialite standing before him. "In light of the defendant's cooperation with federal authorities, we will proceed directly to sentencing."
Evelyn’s lawyer stood up, his voice ringing through the silent room. "Your Honor, my client has provided evidence that dismantled an international criminal ring. We request a sentence of time served."
