Chapter 12 - THE GUILTY VERDICT
After forty minutes of private deliberation, the twelve federal jurors returned to the courtroom with a unanimous decision.
The jury foreman stood up, holding the official verdict sheet in his hands before addressing the court.
"On count one, felony aggravated assault, how do you find?" Judge Roberts asked formally.
"Guilty," the foreman declared firmly.
"On count two, corporate espionage and grand larceny, how do you find?"
"Guilty," the foreman repeated, his clear voice echoing in the silent room.
Victoria burst into hysterical sobs, slumping over the defense table as her legal team offered no support.
Judge Roberts slammed his wooden gavel down, delivering a stern sentence that shocked the gallery.
"Victoria Vance, your shocking lack of human empathy warrants the maximum penalty," Judge Roberts stated coldly. "I sentence you to twenty-eight years at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility."
Victoria was led away in heavy steel chains, her dark reign over Manhattan high society permanently terminated.
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Carter took Lily’s hand in the gallery row, kissing her fingers as they walked out into the crisp winter air together.
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