CHAPTER 8
Julian stood up slowly, his hands shaking in heavy iron cuffs as he tried to deliver a prepared statement to the court.
"Your Honor..." Julian stammered, his voice weak and trembling. "I made terrible mistakes... I was led astray by greed and poor choices... I beg for mercy so I can one day be a father to my sons."
Judge Hayes cut him off with a sharp, heavy gavel strike that echoed like a cannon shot through the room.
"Mercy is reserved for those who show genuine remorse, Mr. Vance," Judge Hayes declared coldly. "Not for those who weaponize custody of newborn infants as legal leverage."
The judge cleared his throat, adjusting his robes as he delivered the final, unyielding verdict.
"Julian Vance, you are hereby sentenced to twelve years in a federal penitentiary, followed by five years of mandatory financial supervision and full restitution of twenty-two million dollars."
Sienna gasped loudly, bursting into tears as the judge turned his attention toward her.
"Sienna Miller, for your active participation in wire fraud and evidence destruction, you are sentenced to five years in federal custody."
Eleanor Vance buried her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably as the bailiffs led her son and his mistress out through the side security doors.
As Julian walked past my row, he stopped for a brief second, looking at me with eyes filled with hollow, agonizing regret.
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"Amelia..." Julian whispered, his voice broken. "I'm so sorry... please let me see the boys one day."
"They will know who you were, Julian," I said softly, looking him straight in the eyes without a trace of malice. "And they will know that truth and integrity matter far more than a stolen legacy."
