Chapter 15 - THE RETURN TO WASHINGTON
By 8:45 AM, the steps of the federal district courthouse in downtown Washington were packed with national media crews.
Camera shutters clicked furiously as a sleek black sedan pulled up directly in front of the grand marble stairs.
Elena stepped out of the vehicle, wearing her sharp pantsuit and dark sunglasses, her posture commanding absolute attention.
Reporters thrust microphones toward her, shouting questions about the dramatic arrest at the high-society gala.
"Ms. Vance! Can you confirm Jonathan Sterling's role in the international corporate espionage ring?" a female reporter asked.
Elena paused on the top step, adjusting her lapel before offering a brief, measured public statement.
"Justice is not a privilege reserved for the wealthy; it is a fundamental American guarantee for us all," Elena stated clearly.
She walked through the heavy bronze doors of the courthouse, leaving the media storm buzzing frantically behind her.
Inside the grand marble lobby, federal marshals escorted her through the secure elevator banks toward Courtroom 4B.
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The legal battle that would permanently seal Jonathan Sterling's fate was about to commence in front of the federal bench.
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