Chapter 10 - The Price of Betrayal
The high-stakes federal courtroom was filled with journalists, SEC regulators, and international financial reporters.
Judge Katherine Ross, a woman known for her stern demeanor and intolerance for corporate crime, presided.
Standing before her was Liam Thorne, his high-powered legal team unable to offer any defense against the mountain of evidence.
"I have reviewed the extensive financial records detailing the offshore money laundering operations," Judge Ross announced.
"I have also reviewed the forensic accounting reports detailing your systematic looting of Thorne Enterprises assets before the federal freeze."
The gavel slammed down. "I sentence you to twenty-five years in the Federal Correctional Institution at Otisville, with no possibility of parole."
A collective gasp filled the courtroom. It was a sentence usually reserved for cartel leaders and master criminals, not hedge fund managers.
May you like
Arthur Sterling sat in the front row, his micro-expression a calm affirmation of justice served.
Mariana, standing beside him in a simple, elegant black dress, watched without emotion as her former husband was led away in chains.
